If the test is negative, but a doctor still suspects scarlet fever, then the doctor can take a throat culture swab. A throat culture takes time to see if group A strep bacteria grow from the swab. While it takes more time, a throat culture sometimes finds infections that the rapid strep test misses.
Culture is important to use in children and teens since they can get rheumatic fever from an untreated scarlet fever infection. For adults, it is usually not necessary to do a throat culture following a negative rapid strep test. Adults are generally not at risk of getting rheumatic fever following scarlet fever. Doctors treat scarlet fever with antibiotics. Either penicillin or amoxicillin are recommended as a first choice for people who are not allergic to penicillin. Doctors can use other antibiotics to treat scarlet fever in people who are allergic to penicillin.
Complications are rare but can occur after having scarlet fever. This can happen if the bacteria spread to other parts of the body. Complications can include:. People can get scarlet fever more than once. Having scarlet fever does not protect someone from getting it again in the future. While there is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever, there are things people can do to protect themselves and others. The best way to keep from getting or spreading group A strep is to wash your hands often.
This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating. To practice good hygiene, you should:. You should also wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed. Take the prescription exactly as the doctor says to. Top of Page. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
Section Navigation. Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent scarlet fever. Here are some prevention tips to follow and to teach your children:. Scarlet fever needs to be treated with antibiotics.
However, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and discomfort that come with scarlet fever. Here are a few remedies to try:. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system. A widespread skin rash is a telltale sign of measles. An infected person can….
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. We explain the common signs, diagnostic tests, treatment…. Here's what you need to know about the potential causes of strawberry tongue, including Kawasaki disease, vitamin deficiency, strep throat, and more. When should you break a fever, and when should you let it run its course? Here's everything you need to know about when and how to break a fever. Use this guide to help decide whether or not your child should take a sick day from school.
Fever of unknown origin FUO refers to elevated body temperature for which a cause is not found after basic medical evaluation. Strep throat is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications.
Learn how to avoid, recognize, and treat strep throat. It's common for children to have minor colds and growing pains, but some physical symptoms can be a sign of a more serious health condition. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Strep throat rash Other symptoms Causes Is it contagious?
Risk factors Complications Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Home remedies We include products we think are useful for our readers. What is scarlet fever? Strep throat rash. Share on Pinterest. Other symptoms of scarlet fever. Cause of scarlet fever. Is scarlet fever contagious? Risk factors for scarlet fever. Complications associated with scarlet fever. They may suggest a phone consultation. Keep taking the antibiotics until they're finished, even if you feel better.
You can spread scarlet fever to other people up to 6 days before you get symptoms until 24 hours after you take your 1st dose of antibiotics. If you do not take antibiotics, you can spread the infection for 2 to 3 weeks after your symptoms start. If you or your child has scarlet fever, stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after you take the 1st dose of antibiotics.
Scarlet fever can be a serious illness, but thanks to antibiotics, it's less common than it used to be and easier to treat. But cases of scarlet fever have increased in recent years. Public Health England records the number of scarlet fever infections each year. Complications from scarlet fever are rare. They can happen during or in the weeks after the infection, and can include:.
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