Patient's question:
What causes scarlet fever? It seems like my baby has these symptoms. What is this disease? What treatment is most effective for it? Can this disease be prevented?Doctor's answer:
Scarlet fever is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It primarily occurs in winter and spring. It is very common in children aged 2 to 8. In the early stages of scarlet fever, symptoms include congestion of the throat and tonsils, fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The face becomes flushed and swollen, but there is no rash, and the lips and nose appear pale. These are the characteristic symptoms of scarlet fever. The rash usually disappears after 3 to 5 days. After the rash fades, there may be varying degrees of peeling, fine desquamation, or widespread peeling. Very few children have severe symptoms. Children should rest in bed to reduce physical consumption and the burden on the heart, and to prevent complications. Additionally, drink plenty of water and provide nutritious, easily digestible food. For children with high fever, appropriate antipyretics should be given.