Scarlet fever, a bacterial illness primarily affecting children, does not cause blindness. While it can lead to various complications if untreated, vision impairment is not one of them. Early identification, often marked by a distinctive rash and other symptoms, is important for proper management.
Understanding Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also referred to as Group A Streptococcus (GAS). These bacteria are commonly found in the throat and on the skin. The illness is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with these droplets or by sharing personal items like eating utensils.
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria. The most recognizable sign is a bright red rash that feels like sandpaper to the touch. This rash often begins on the chest and stomach before spreading to other areas of the body, though it usually spares the face, which may appear flushed with a pale area around the mouth.
Accompanying the rash are other symptoms such as a sore throat, a fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, and swollen neck glands. The tongue may also develop a characteristic appearance, starting with a white coating that later peels, leaving it red and bumpy, a phenomenon known as “strawberry tongue.” Some individuals may experience headache, body aches, nausea, or vomiting.
Potential Health Complications of Scarlet Fever
While scarlet fever is generally treatable with antibiotics, complications can arise if untreated. One concern is acute rheumatic fever, an inflammatory condition that can impact the heart, joints, brain, and skin. Heart damage, specifically rheumatic heart disease, can be a long-term consequence.
Another complication is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which involves inflammation of the kidneys. This condition can occur weeks after the initial infection and affect kidney function.
Beyond these systemic issues, the infection can also spread to other areas of the body, leading to more localized problems. These may include ear infections, a painful collection of pus near the tonsils (throat abscess), or inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). In some instances, pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, can also develop.
Managing and Preventing Scarlet Fever
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of scarlet fever are important to prevent the development of serious complications. Healthcare providers can typically diagnose the condition through a physical examination, often by observing the distinctive rash and examining the tongue. A throat swab may be taken to confirm the presence of Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, most commonly penicillin or amoxicillin, typically administered over a 10-day course. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to fully eliminate the bacteria and reduce the risk of complications. Antibiotic treatment also helps reduce the period of contagiousness, often making individuals non-infectious after 24 hours of starting medication.
Supportive care measures can help alleviate symptoms during recovery. These include drinking cool fluids, eating soft foods if a sore throat is present, and using over-the-counter pain relievers for fever or body aches. Preventing the spread of scarlet fever involves practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals and not sharing personal items like eating utensils or drinking glasses also helps reduce transmission.