How serious is scarlet fever? A parent's guide

Remember those old books where characters would get scarlet fever and everyone would panic? Little Beth in "Little Women" comes to mind for many of us. While it's not the terrifying illness it was in the 1800s, scarlet fever hasn't completely disappeared. As a parent, you should know what you're dealing with - especially since this infection still makes the rounds in schools and daycare centres.

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.

Spotting the signs: Symptoms of scarlet fever

The first signs of scarlet fever often sneak up gradually. Your child might start by complaining about a sore throat, feeling tired, or just seeming off. Then comes the fever - usually climbing above 38.3°C. This is when parents often think they're dealing with a regular cold or flu. But within 24 to 48 hours, the classical sign appears: that distinctive red rash that feels like sandpaper to the touch.

The rash typically starts on your child's face or neck before spreading across their body - it is bright red, slightly raised, and feels rough, like fine-grade sandpaper. Also, your child's tongue might go through a transformation: first, it develops a whitish coating with red dots peeking through (doctors call this "white strawberry tongue"), then the white coating peels off to reveal a bright red, bumpy surface that looks remarkably like a real strawberry.

As the illness progresses, you might notice your child developing headaches or complaining about body aches. Some kids feel queasy or even throw up. Their neck glands often swell up, looking and feeling like small lumps under the jaw. Then, when the rash starts to fade after about a week, the skin might begin peeling, especially on their hands, fingers, and toes. It looks alarming but is actually a normal part of recovery.

How it spreads?

Scarlet fever spreads through respiratory droplets, which is a scientific way of saying it travels through the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or even just talks. This explains why it can run rampant through schools and daycares where children are in close contact. The bacteria can also live on surfaces for a short time, so sharing cups, plates, or utensils with someone who's infected is another way to catch it.

The tricky part is that someone can be contagious before they show any symptoms. A child might be spreading the bacteria without anyone knowing they're sick. Once antibiotics are started, though, the contagious period usually only lasts about 24 hours.

How serious is scarlet fever? Its complications

While scarlet fever isn't the deadly disease it once was, it's not something to brush off either. Without proper treatment, it can lead to some serious complications. Rheumatic fever is perhaps the most concerning - it's an inflammatory condition that can damage the heart valves and cause long-term heart problems. Kidney inflammation is another possible complication, along with ear infections, joint pain, and in rare cases, pneumonia.

These complications are exactly why getting prompt treatment is so important. The good news is that with early antibiotic treatment, the risk of these complications drops dramatically. Modern medicine has turned what was once a deadly disease into something that's usually no more than an uncomfortable week or so.

Managing the illness: care at home

Once you've got a diagnosis and antibiotics, there's plenty you can do at home to help your child feel better. The most crucial thing is making sure they complete the entire course of antibiotics - even if they start feeling better after a few days. Stopping early can lead to complications and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Keep them drinking plenty of fluids - water is best, but warm drinks like honey and lemon tea can soothe a sore throat. Cold foods like ice cream or popsicles can also provide relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help with fever and discomfort. For older kids, saltwater gargles can ease throat pain.

Rest is essential - this is the time to allow extra TV shows or quiet activities in bed. The body needs energy to fight off the infection. Keep them home from school until they've been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and their fever is gone.

Prevention matters

While you can't always prevent scarlet fever, you can reduce the risk of catching and spreading it.

• Regular hand washing is your first line of defense - teach kids to wash thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly, especially when someone in the house is sick.
• Avoid sharing personal items like cups, plates, or towels, particularly during illness.
• And while it might seem obvious, try to keep children away from others who are sick with sore throats or scarlet fever.

In conclusion

Scarlet fever might sound like something from a Victorian novel, but it's still around in our modern world. The good news is that we have the tools to deal with it effectively. The key is recognising the signs early, getting proper medical care, and following through with treatment. While it can make for an uncomfortable week, most children bounce back quickly with the right care.

Remember, you know your child best. If something seems off, or if they're getting worse instead of better, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. That's what they're there for, and when it comes to scarlet fever, it's always better to be safe than sorry.