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How Do I Know If My Child Has Scarlet Fever?

Your pediatrician will inspect your child, looking for the characteristic rash, characteristic changes on the tongue called "strawberry tongue," and at the throat. The doctor will swab the throat and send the swab to the lab to examine it for the presence of streptococcal bacteria. A rapid test is available.

What Are the Treatments?

Unless treated with antibiotics, scarlet fever can have serious complications. Call your pediatrician immediately if you think your child has the disease. Along with taking antibiotics, your child should get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fruit juice to flush out his or her system. Cool baths may reduce the fever, and acetaminophen will help relieve pain.

CAUTION! -- Aspirin Danger! Never give aspirin to anyone under the age of 20 years who has an infection. It can cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but possibly deadly disease of the liver.

Your pediatrician will prescribe an antibiotic, such as penicillin. If your child is allergic to penicillin, he or she will be given an alternative, such as erythromycin. The medicine must be taken for at least 10 days, even if the symptoms disappear sooner. Kids should not go back to school or daycare for 24 hours after starting the antibiotic. Other family members should also be examined and treated if necessary. Before the advent of antibiotics, households were quarantined because of scarlet fever, but this is no longer necessary.

Proper nutrition boosts the body's immune system and helps it fight infection. If your child becomes ill, make sure he or she drinks plenty of fluids to help flush out toxins and prevent dehydration. Citrus juices are a good choice.

How Can I Prevent Scarlet Fever?

Stay away and keep your child away from people who have scarlet fever. Stay healthy by eating balanced meals and getting plenty of sleep and exercise. Wash your hands often and avoid sharing eating utensils or drinks.