What are the dangers of scarlet fever?

In general, appropriately diagnosed and treated scarlet fever results in few if any long-term effects. However, if complications develop for whatever reason, problems that include kidney damage, hepatitis, vasculitis, septicemia, congestive heart failure, and even death may occur.

What does scarlet fever do to your heart?

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage may start shortly after untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection such as strep throat or scarlet fever.

Are there any complications after having scarlet fever?

Rarely, complications can occur after scarlet fever. Scarlet fever can have the same suppurative and non-suppurative complications as group A strep pharyngitis. Suppurative complications result from local or hematogenous spread of the organism. They can include: Acute rheumatic fever is a nonsuppurative sequelae of group A strep pharyngitis.

What was the mortality rate of scarlet fever?

The morbidity and mortality of scarlet fever has declined since the 18th and 19th century when there were epidemics caused by this disease. Around 1900 the mortality rate in multiple places reached 25%.

How long does it take for scarlet fever to go away?

People who have a penicillin allergy will take a different course of antibiotics. Scarlet fever is no longer contagious after you’ve been on antibiotics for 24 hours. The rash generally fades within a week, but can linger for up to two weeks in some patients.

What causes scarlet fever and what causes it?

Scarlet fever is a disease which can occur as a result of a group A streptococcus (group A strep) infection.

What do you do to protect yourself from scarlet fever?

Prevention Tips Wash your hands often. It is especially important for anyone with a sore throat to wash his or her hands often. Wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed. Take antibiotics exactly as the doctor says to. Stay home if infected.

What can happen if scarlet fever is left untreated?

Left untreated, scarlet fever can have serious complications, including severe skin infections, abscesses on the tonsils, and lung problems. If the antibiotics are not given early enough, scarlet fever can also lead to rheumatic fever , which can cause long-term heart problems.

How can Scarlet Fever Kill You?

Scarlet fever can interfere with breathing by causing swelling of the pharynx. It can kill by causing a blood infection, septicemia. The fever it causes can result in severe dehydration, which can be fatal for infants and young children.

What is the cure for scarlet fever?

Antibiotics to combat the streptococcal infection are the mainstay of treatment for scarlet fever. Prompt administration of appropriate antibiotics decreases the length of illness. Peeling of the outer layer of skin, however, will happen despite treatment.