Does your child have a high fever, a sore throat, and red patches on their skin? Are you concerned it might be scarlet fever? Parents often find this disease alarming, especially when its symptoms begin in the middle of the night. But there’s no need to worry: as long as your child is given the proper treatment, they should make a full recovery, and complications are rare. Read on to learn some key facts about the disease, how to respond to suspected symptoms, and the best way to put your child on the path to recovery.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus, the same bacterium responsible for strep throat. That’s right: contrary to what you might think, this disease is triggered by a bacterium, rather than a virus. Scarlet fever spreads easily, primarily through respiratory droplets, and mainly affects children aged 5 to 10.
The scarlet fever bacterium produces a specific toxin that causes the signature red spots and rough skin commonly associated with this illness. Scarlet fever has long been a source of concern for parents, but thanks to modern antibiotics, it’s now considered relatively benign.
Did you know? According to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), occasional outbreaks of scarlet fever still occur in schools and daycare centres, particularly in winter and early spring.
When your child has strep throat, the bacteria infect the throat without producing any specific toxins. The symptoms are limited to a severe sore throat, fever, and sometimes swollen glands in the neck. It can cause significant discomfort, but that’s where the symptoms end.
In the case of scarlet fever, the particular strain of streptococcus produces an erythrogenic toxin that travels through the bloodstream, causing the characteristic rash that distinguishes scarlet fever from strep throat. The presence of this rough rash makes all the difference between the two infections.
Note: Whether you’re dealing with strep throat or scarlet fever, the antibiotic treatment remains the same. Both infections require medical attention to avoid potential complications.
There are many possible causes for skin rashes in children and it’s not always easy to tell them apart. Here are the symptoms that distinguish scarlet fever from other childhood skin diseases.
Unlike measles or roseola, which cause smooth bumps, the rash caused by scarlet fever is rough to the touch, like sandpaper. This is a distinctive symptom that you can recognize by simply running your hand gently over your child’s skin.
Another distinctive feature is paleness around the mouth, often accompanied by a white-coated tongue that eventually turns a strawberry colour.
Scarlet fever always comes with a severe sore throat and sudden high fever. If your child has a rash without a sore throat, it’s probably something else.
✦ Measles: The red spots are larger, form distinct patches, and start behind the ears before moving down the body. The child’s eyes will also be red and watery, which is not the case with scarlet fever. The measles vaccine is also available at your Brunet pharmacy.
✦ Roseola: The rash appears after the fever has broken, whereas with scarlet fever, it occurs at the same time. Also, roseola mainly affects babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 2 years.
✦ Chicken pox: The pimples turn into fluid-filled vesicles, which then become scabs. Scarlet fever rashes, on the other hand, remain in the form of small, rough red spots that never blister.
✦ Hand-foot-and-mouth disease can also affect young children (under 10). The symptoms are similar, which can be confusing at times.
Tip: Distinguishing the symptoms of scarlet fever from measles, roseola, chicken pox, and other illnesses can be tricky. When in doubt, talk to a Brunet-affiliated pharmacist. They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
There’s no secret to preventing scarlet fever. If a case occurs in your family or at your toddler’s school, a throat swab at a pharmacy can confirm the presence of streptococcus.
Your Brunet pharmacist can do a rapid test for you at your local pharmacy. This test can only be performed under certain conditions.
Yes, scarlet fever is a highly contagious infection that spreads easily, especially in environments where children are in close contact, such as schools and daycare centres. It can be transmitted by respiratory droplets, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
After contact with the bacteria, it takes 2 to 5 days for the first symptoms to appear. During this period, your child may already be contagious without knowing it. The disease remains contagious for up to 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment. That’s why it’s important to keep your child at home during this period.
They can return to school 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, as long as they don’t have a fever.
Warning: Without antibiotic treatment, your child can remain contagious for up to 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms, even if they’re feeling better. This is one of the main reasons why antibiotic treatment is so important.
In addition to antibiotics, there are several simple things you can do to make your child more comfortable while they convalesce.
For sore throats:
To reduce fever and discomfort:
For overall comfort:
For peeling skin (after recovery):
The symptoms of scarlet fever may seem intimidating at first, but they’re easily managed with prompt treatment. The key is to recognize the signs as quickly as possible, and don’t hesitate to consult your pharmacist. In-store tests are available by appointment under certain conditions, and our pharmacists will be happy to provide you with helpful advice.
You may change the store at any time.