Scarlet fever is passed on through fluids from the mouth and nose. When a person with scarlet fever coughs or sneezes, the bacteria become airborne in droplets of water. Another person can catch it by inhaling these droplets or by touching something the droplets land on, such as a door handle, and then touching the nose and mouth.
Touching the skin of a person with a streptococcal skin infection can also spread infection. Sharing towels, baths, clothes, or bed linen with an infected person increases the risk. A person with scarlet fever who is not treated may be contagious for several weeks, even after symptoms have gone. Some individuals do not react to the toxin. They can carry and pass on the infection without showing any symptoms.
Only those who react to the toxin will develop symptoms. Less commonly, infection may occur through touching or consuming contaminated food, especially milk. The bacteria can spread more easily among people in close contact, for instance at school, home, or work.
A throat swab may help determine which bacteria caused the infection. Sometimes a blood test is also ordered. However, treatment is important, as this will accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment normally involves a day course of oral antibiotics, usually penicillin.
The fever will usually go within 12 to 24 hours of taking the first antibiotic medication, and patients normally recover 4 to 5 days after starting the treatment. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms go away before it is finished. This is necessary to get rid of the infection and reduce the risk of post-strep disorders developing. If the patient does not start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, they should contact a doctor.
The patient is no longer contagious 24 hours after antibiotics begin, but they should stay at home for the full course of antibiotics. It is important to drink plenty of liquids, especially if there is no appetite. The environment should be kept cool. Scarlet fever. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Nov. Scarlet fever: A group A streptococcal infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Steer A, et al. Acute rheumatic fever: Epidemiology and pathogenesis. Van Driel ML, et al. Different antibiotic treatments for group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Symptom relief. Related Scarlet fever. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
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Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Patient Education. Scarlet Fever Adult Scarlet fever is an infection with streptococcal bacteria. Home care Rest at home for at least the first few days. Fever increases water loss from the body. Drink plenty of fluids. Ask your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines.
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