Summarize the following:
It usually affects people who have strep throat, as it's caused by the same Streptococcus bacteria. In rare cases, it may be caused by streptococcal skin infections. Anyone can contract scarlet fever, but it occurs primarily in children under age ten. Especially in children, look for the following symptoms of scarlet fever: Red, sore throat Fever Red rash that feels like sandpaper Bright red skin in underarm, elbow and groin creases A whitish coating on the tongue or back of the throat A "strawberry" red tongue Headache Nausea or vomiting Abdominal pain Swollen glands Body aches Although scarlet fever itself is generally a mild illness, if left untreated it can result in rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a serious condition that can cause inflammation of the heart, joints, and nervous system. Other complications that sometimes arise from scarlet fever include: Kidney disease Ear and skin infections Abscesses in the throat Pneumonia Arthritis The doctor will perform a physical exam in which he examines the throat, tonsils, and tongue. He'll also feel the neck to check for enlarged lymph nodes and examines the rash. To confirm the diagnosis, he will take a throat swab and have it analyzed for the presence of the strep bacteria. Because scarlet fever is a bacterial infection, it responds well to antibiotic treatment. These medications should be taken precisely as prescribed to ensure successful treatment. Though not all of these medications will be prescribed, the doctor will recommend whichever combination will best treat your specific case: Amoxicillin: three 30 50 mg/kg doses per day for ten days. Augmentin: 30 50 mg /kg/day in divided doses given every 12 hours for ten days. Biaxin: an alternative for patients allergic to Penicillin antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Augmentin. 250 mg is taken orally every 12 hours for ten days. It is available in liquid form for children in doses of 250 mg/5cc. Zithromax or Azithromycin: 500 mg orally on day one and 250 mg daily on days two through five. Keflex: 500 mg four times daily for ten days for adults or children over 12. It's available in liquid form for children in doses of 25 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses. About one in ten people experience side effects from antibiotics. Luckily, these effects are usually fairly mild, and pass whenever you've completed treatment. In most cases, side effects affect the digestive system: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Bloating and indigestion Stomach pain Loss of appetite Within two days of starting antibiotics, you should see an improvement in symptoms like sore throat and fever. You should feel more energetic and begin regaining your appetite. The rash will last a little longer, and will heal over several days or weeks. As it heals, the skin will peel off this is perfectly normal, so don't panic! Let your doctor know if you're not responding on schedule. It may suggest further complications that need to be addressed.
Recognize the symptoms of scarlet fever. Seek immediate medical attention. Get a medical diagnosis. Take the prescribed antibiotics. Be prepared for the side effects of antibiotics. Watch for signs of improvement.