Scarlet Fever In Babies And Toddlers – Symptoms And Treatment

Scarlet fever once used to be the most dangerous disease of childhood. Earlier many children succumbed to scarlet fever. But today it is considered a rare illness and can be successfully treated by antibiotics and is much less dangerous than what it used to be. Babies and toddlers between the age of 2 to 10 are most susceptible to this illness. It is very uncommon in babies under two years. Read on to know all about this disease and ways to treat it.

What Is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is a contagious bacterial infection. It starts with an upper respiratory tract infection caused by a bacterium called “type – A streptococcus”. This bacterium is the same one that causes strep throat and some skin infections. The bacteria produces a toxic substance that can bring about fever and scarlet-colored rash that gives this illness its name.

Do All The Children Who Have Strep Throat Get Scarlet Fever?

No, not all kids who have strep throat develop scarlet fever. If the child is sensitive to the toxin produced by the strep bacteria, he or she will develop scarlet fever within a couple of weeks after getting strep throat.

How Do The Babies And Toddlers Get Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is a highly contagious disease. The bacteria from the infected person can be spread through breathing out, coughing or sneezing. The babies and toddlers can get it when they play on these contaminated surfaces, by sharing infected utensils or toys, or even by sharing same room with the infected person. Therefore, it is very important not to send the child to daycare, nursery, or school, once he is diagnosed with scarlet fever.

What Are The Symptoms Of Scarlet Fever In Babies And Toddlers?

• The appearance of red rash is the significant symptom of scarlet fever. This mostly starts similar to a sunburn. The rash can cause itchiness. The rash generally appears first on the chest and stomach and then eventually spreads to the neck, back and rest of the body especially in the folds of underarm and elbow
• Once you press on the rash, it turns white. This differentiates scarlet rash from other rashes
• The rash starts to disappear by the sixth day of its appearance
• The skin where the rashes appear will start to peel
• Chills
• Headache
• Fever with high temperature (around 103 F)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Extreme tiredness
• During the early phase of infection, white or yellowish coating appears on the baby’s tongue
• Swollen lymph nodes around the neck
• Soreness of the throat and the tonsils appear red and swollen

How Is Scarlet Fever Diagnosed?

Once the doctor suspects scarlet fever in your baby or toddler, he can easily confirm it by performing a throat culture. It is not as complicated as it sounds. A painless swab of the baby’s throat will help to find out the bacteria that is behind the symptoms, thereby, confirming the disease. He will also look into the type of rash on your baby’s body and will examine his throat and “strawberry tongue” for changing colors.