What is scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a form of streptococcal infection, which manifests itself in the form of an acute infectious disease and is accompanied by local inflammatory processes, usually in the pharynx, and rash. This disease is typical for children under 16 years old, most often it happens to kids of the age group of 3-9 years, infants are sick very rarely. At the same time, adults are also found among the diseased.
Scarlet fever in children - causes
The causative agent of the disease is hemolytic streptococcus. The path of infection - airborne, through splashes of saliva, mucus from the nasopharynx, the child can also become infected by contact, through household items, toys, underwear, and food.
Scarlet fever in children - symptoms
The first symptoms of the disease are sore throat, fever and plaque on the tongue. The symptoms of scarlet fever are similar to the symptoms of angina, so they are easy to confuse. A distinctive feature of scarlet fever is a red rash, which, appearing on the body of the baby, allows in combination with other signs not to be mistaken with the diagnosis. The rash spreads from the neck to the upper chest, legs and hands. Places of localization of the rash are armpits, inguinal folds and elbows, the skin of children becomes rough. After 2 - 3 days the rash turns pale, and after a few weeks the skin begins to peel on the palms and feet. A clear symptom of this disease is the "crimson tongue", which on the third or fourth day begins to turn red from tip to base.
Scarlet fever in children - treatment
The need for inpatient treatment is determined by the severity of the disease. Severe course of the disease requires mandatory hospitalization, light and medium treatment allows home treatment. To prevent the development of complications, during the appearance of rash and 3-5 days after their disappearance, the child must adhere to strict bed rest.
Scarlet fever treatment is carried out with the help of antibacterial therapy, which lasts 10 days. Antibiotics in the treatment of the main role.
The causative agents of the disease, streptococci are sensitive to penicillin, so the child is prescribed drugs in this group, with home treatment - in the form of tablets, and in the hospital - in the form of intramuscular injections in dosages corresponding to the age of the baby. If the child suffers from intolerance to penicillin antibiotics, they are replaced with erythromycin.
In addition to antibiotics, the treatment of this disease is carried out with antiallergic drugs, calcium preparations, vitamin C (in the dosages prescribed by the attending physician). Treatment of angina is carried out topically, with the help of rinses, for which solutions of furacilin, dioxidine, chamomile, calendula, sage are used.
During treatment it is necessary to observe a sparing diet, which consists in the use of warm dishes in the shabby and boiled form, liquid or semi-liquid. The child should consume more fluids to remove toxins from the body. When the acute manifestations of the disease subside, you can begin to gradually move to a normal diet.
Also important in the treatment of scarlet fever in children is hygiene. Compulsory activities are frequent cleaning of the room (at least twice a day) and the most frequent change of linen.
