Scarlet fever is strep throat with a rash, caused by a toxin produced by some strep bacteria. The complication rate is no different than the complication rate for strep throat alone. The red rash usually clears in 4 to 5 days.
Recommendations for Scarlet Fever include:
Antibiotics:
Your child will be given a prescription for an antibiotic. Try not to forget any doses. Your child should stop having a sore throat and fever after 1 to 2 days of antibiotics, but give the antibiotics for the full time to minimize relapse. Do not share antibiotics with siblings or friends. Your child is no longer contagious after 24 hours of treatment.
Pain/Fever:
Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin/ Advil (ibuprofen) may be given for sore throat or fever greater than 100.5 Children over 8 years old can gargle warm salt water ( 1/4 tsp of salt per glass). Throat lozenges or hard candy may be used for children over 4 yrs old.
Fluids/Diet:
Swollen tonsils can make foods hard to swallow. Provide a soft diet for a few days, and encourage fluids to prevent dehydration.
Pediatric Specialists of Plano
(972) 473-7777
