How is scarlet fever diagnosed?
Doctors Can Test for and Treat Scarlet Fever A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and testing the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep are causing the illness. If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe antibiotics.
What’s the difference between scarlet fever and strep?
When the bacteria infect the throat, the illness is called strep throat. Streptococci can also produce a toxin which results in a distinctive skin rash. When this occurs, the illness is called scarlet fever.
How to know if you have scarlet fever?
The most common symptoms of scarlet fever include the following: 1 Fever of 101°F or higher 2 Sore throat with difficulty swallowing 3 Yellow or white coating or spots on the tonsils and throat 4 Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
How long does a scarlet fever rash last?
The tongue generally looks red and bumpy, and it’s often covered with a white coating early in the disease. The rash and the redness in the face and tongue usually last about a week. After these signs and symptoms have subsided, the skin affected by the rash often peels. Other signs and symptoms associated with scarlet fever include:
Can you get scarlet fever if you have strep throat?
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat. Also known as scarlatina, scarlet fever features a bright red rash that covers most of the body.
How is a rapid strep test used to diagnose scarlet fever?
Only a rapid strep test or a throat culture can determine if group A strep are the cause. A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and testing the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep are causing the illness. If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe antibiotics.
What is the chance of getting scarlet fever?
A person in close contact with another person infected with Group A streptococcal pharyngitis has a 35% chance of becoming infected. One in ten children who are infected with Group A streptococcal pharyngitis will develop scarlet fever.
What are the differential diagnoses for scarlet fever?
The differential diagnosis of scarlet fever with pharyngitis includes multiple viral pathogens that can cause acute pharyngitis with a viral exanthema. Clinicians need to use either a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) or throat culture to confirm scarlet fever with pharyngitis.
What is the treatment for scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin or azithromycin. In addition to antibiotic treatment, patients with scarlet fever and severe throat symptoms may try: Acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) or ibuprofen ( Advil , Motrin and others) to relieve pain and reduce fever.
What are the dangers of scarlet fever?
However, if left untreated, scarlet fever can lead to serious complications including rheumatic fever (an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain), kidney damage, ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and sepsis.