It is an acute and contagious disease that causes a rash
caused by group A streptococci (beta microbes). It can be defined as the rash form of tonsil
infection caused by beta microbes.
The situation in this disease, which is thought to be a childhood disease and an ancient one, has changed
. Nowadays, scarlet fever not only affects all age groups but also causes serious
complications.
The infection is transmitted through breathing. Group A streptococci are found in the upper
respiratory tract and nose and are transmitted to family and school
friends through close contact. It is emphasized that, in addition to respiratory infections, scarlet fever is also transmitted in surgical
cases, burns, and raw food, especially unpasteurized milk.
The disease begins suddenly.
- Fever
- Sore throat.
- Headache
- Weakness constitutes the initial complaints.
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain may also occur.
There is a sudden increase in fever. In the beginning, it is 39.4 degrees and above
. The fever peaks on the second day. In 5-6 days, the fever gradually decreases
and returns to normal.
Tonsils are large, red, swollen and rough in appearance. The pharynx
tube has a red tongue and rust. There is a strawberry tongue appearance on the tongue.
"Strawberry tongue appearance" is specific for scarlet fever.
Rashes appear 24-48 hours after the onset. The rashes
start from the neck and spread rapidly to the trunk and extremities.
The rashes are widespread, raised and red on the skin, and spread to the face and other parts of the body
. The rashes show distinct lines on the inner surface of the joints and folds, which is helpful in clinical diagnosis. The incubation period is short, on average it can vary between 2-4 days (1-7 days). .
One of the characteristic findings of scarlet fever is the appearance of peeling on the skin after the acute disease period. In individuals with scarlet fever, skin peeling is evident and occurs after 2-3 patients. apply with. Diagnosis is sometimes caused by peeling It is diagnosed with a delay after it is seen. After the disease is over, peelings may last for weeks.
How is scarlet fever diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by the growth of streptococci in the throat culture along with clinical findings.
Serological tests show previous infection. .
Antibiotic treatment is started in diagnosed cases. Antibiotic treatment
duration is 10 days. Bed rest and plenty of fluids are recommended.
The disease may progress with complications.
- Middle ear infection
- Liver involvement
- Joint inflammation
- Inflammation of body membranes may be observed.
Acute nephritis and rheumatic fever are important complications.
Scarlet fever complications are rare and respond well to treatment
. Healing usually occurs within 7-10 days.
There is no vaccine for scarlet fever. The scarlet fever vaccine
should not be confused with the measles and rubella vaccine.
Scarlet fever rashes are often described as
allergy rashes, and it is observed that serious complications occur when these cases are deprived of the necessary antibiotic treatment. The disease causes epidemics every 4-5 years. Adult scarlet fever cases are severe.
- Scarlet fever
- Group A streptococcus (beta microbe)
- Antibiotic treatment
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