How serious is scarlet fever? A parent's guide

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

---

Overview

Children falling ill creates significant distress for their parents. In addition, the medical term "scarlet fever" can often create immediate concern when parents hear it. The following information provides essential knowledge for Australian parents who need to understand more about scarlet fever and how it can affect their children.

What is scarlet fever?

Think of scarlet fever as being related to strep throat. It's caused by the same group of bacteria (Group A Strep), but with an extra twist - these bacteria release toxins that create the illness's trademark bright red rash. While it mostly shows up in children between 5 and 15 years old, anyone can catch it. The good news is that what once was a deadly scourge of childhood is now very treatable with modern antibiotics.

When to worry

The history of scarlet fever creates anxiety because they show how dangerous the disease used to be and causes understandable concern among parents. The good news is that modern antibiotic treatment leads to a complete recovery for almost all children who receive prompt medical care.

Symptoms

The Strep A bacterial infection leads to scarlet fever which develops its own distinct symptoms.

• The illness starts with a high fever and a sore throat that becomes intensely red while showing white patches.
• The tongue develops red bumps which create a strawberry-like appearance.
• The skin develops a fine red sandpaper-like rash which starts on the chest before spreading to the neck area. The skin texture becomes rough when touched.
• The cheeks of your child will turn bright red but the area around their mouth will remain pale.

How Serious Is Scarlet Fever?

The medical community now views scarlet fever as a dangerous illness which doctors can effectively treat. The main danger of scarlet fever emerges when patients fail to receive proper medical care because they become susceptible to rare complications. The untreated disease can lead to ear infections and sinusitis, and rarely, can result in rheumatic fever which damages the heart tissue. Early medical diagnosis together with appropriate treatment stands as the key to preventing serious complications from developing, and the use of antibiotics significantly reduces the chances of developing complications.

How It Spreads

The contagious nature of scarlet fever allows it to spread quickly through environments where children have close contact such as at school and at daycare.

• The disease spreads through respiratory fluids that get released when coughing and sneezing.
• The disease transmission can also occur through contact with items that an infected person has touched after using them.

Prevention tips

The key to preventing scarlet fever transmission lies in maintaining proper hygiene practices.

• Hands should receive complete soap and water cleaning.
• All drinking items and personal items and towels should remain exclusive to each person.
• Children should learn to direct their coughs and sneezes toward their elbows.
• Children should stay home from school until they finish their antibiotic treatment and show no signs of illness.

Treatment

Medical Treatment

Your child needs to visit online GP for medical evaluation. The doctor will write a prescription for penicillin antibiotics as the primary treatment (if they are not allergic to it). Your child needs to finish their antibiotic treatment from start to finish even when their symptoms improve because this ensures the bacterial infection is completely eliminated and prevents any additional complications.

At-Home Care Tips

Your child needs your help to feel comfortable while the medicine works to heal their body.

• Your child needs to rest while drinking enough fluids.
• Use paracetamol according to instructions to treat fever symptoms and pain.
• Your child should consume gentle foods and cold beverages when their throat becomes painful.

When to Consult a Doctor

Trust your instincts. Parents should visit their GP when they believe their child has scarlet fever. The emergency department of a hospital requires immediate visit when your child shows any of these symptoms:

• The child experiences breathing difficulties while wheezing.
• The child refuses to drink fluids while showing signs of dehydration.
• The child shows excessive drowsiness while being hard to wake up.

How Hola Health Can Help

The need to leave home becomes unappealing when your child falls ill. The online healthcare service Hola Health provides a convenient solution for patients. The Australian-registered doctor at Hola Health offers video consultations to diagnose patients and write antibiotic prescriptions which get delivered to nearby pharmacies. The first diagnosis of this condition requires patients to visit their GP in person. Telehealth services provide excellent care for patients who need to stay home or when they require follow-up appointments.

FAQ

What is the first sign of scarlet fever in children?

The first symptom of scarlet fever appears in children as a combination of fever and severe throat pain. The distinctive skin rash emerges between 12 and 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.

Is scarlet fever contagious?

Yes, it’s highly contagious. A child remains contagious until they complete 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.

How long does scarlet fever last?

The antibiotic treatment leads to fever reduction within 12 to 24 hours and the rash disappears within several days. The sore throat requires additional time to fully recover.

Can adults get scarlet fever too?

Yes, adults can develop scarlet fever when they maintain close contact with children who have the infection.

What steps should I take to stop scarlet fever from spreading throughout my home?

Hand washing should occur regularly while avoiding shared items and performing surface disinfection of taps and door handles. The person with the infection needs to use their own towel and washcloth.