Scarlet fever in children

Does your little one have a high fever, a sore throat, and red patches on their skin? It could be scarlet fever, a contagious bacterial infection common in children. 

Don't panic, though: With proper treatment, this illness usually disappears within a few days. 

To help you identify it but also to treat it correctly, here's a short guide to scarlet fever in children. 

What is scarlet fever? 

Scarlet fever is an infection caused by a bacterium called streptococcus. This bacterium produces toxins that cause an inflammatory reaction in the body. 

Scarlet fever is fairly rare in adults, affecting mainly children aged 3 to 12. It is highly contagious, transmitted via the respiratory tract (airborne droplets after sneezing or coughing) or contact with an infected person or object. 

Since there are several types of streptococcus, you can contract scarlet fever several times in your life. 

Symptoms of scarlet fever in children

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Scarlet fever symptoms are unmistakable! Infection usually begins with fatigue and a high fever of at least 38.3°C (101 °F). Then, the following signs appear: 

• A very sore throat, making swallowing difficult;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• A stomach ache; 
• A skin rash characterized by extensive reddish patches dotted with smaller, redder pimples. The skin has a rough texture; 
• The appearance of a white coating on the tongue, giving way to a raspberry-red color. 

Visit your doctor or emergency room promptly if your child has any of the following symptoms: 

• Temperature above 40°C (104°F);
• Excessive salivation;
• Difficulty eating or opening the mouth;
• Intense earache or headache;
• Convulsions. 

Treatment and care of scarlet fever in children 

Once diagnosed by your doctor, scarlet fever is usually treated with antibiotics in tablet or liquid form. These accelerate the elimination of the causative bacteria, reducing the duration and extent of the illness. 

Please note: Even if your child seems to have recovered, always continue treatment until the prescribed end date. The symptoms disappearing does not mean that the bacteria have been completely eliminated by the body. 

In addition to antibiotic treatment, encourage your child to rest. There's nothing like a good night's sleep to help the body recover! Quiet activities, such as walking or playing board games, will also help take their mind off things. 

Give them soft foods (yogurt, soups, purées) and plenty to drink. Gargling with lightly salted water can relieve sore throats and an antihistamine will soothe itching. 

How can scarlet fever be prevented? 

Although scarlet fever is difficult to avoid, certain reflexes can help reduce the risk of contracting it. 

In particular, encourage your child to wash their hands regularly with soap, especially after contact with an infected person. Teach them to sneeze into a tissue and cough into the crook of their elbow. 

Also, remember to disinfect objects that come into regular contact with your child (door handles, toys, etc.). Ventilate the house to help evacuate potential bacteria. 

Finally, as scarlet fever is easier to catch when it's cold, make sure you cover your little angel with outdoor clothing suited to the season and the weather. 

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We hope these tips on childhood scarlet fever will help you protect your little one from this nasty infection. In the meantime, take care of yourself!