Scarlet fever: how to recognize and treat the disease?

Scarlet fever is an old disease that seems to be making a comeback. Fortunately, it is easily recognizable and takes care of very well. We will explain everything to you.

Scarlet fever: 6 symptoms to recognize it

“In 2022, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Sweden observed an increase in cases of invasive group A streptococcal infections (IISGA ) and scarlet fever, mainly affecting children under 10 years old. The increase was particularly marked during the second half of the year » indicates the World Health Organization in a press release.

The disease, which many thought had disappeared, seems to be back.

Thus, the scarlet fever is a disease caused by group A streptococcus, a bacteria commonly found in the throat and skin. It can be recognized by several symptoms, including:

A high fever;
A sore throat;
Severe redness of the throat;
A grainy rash on the skin giving it a sandpaper texture;
A whitish coating on the tongue;
Lesions on the tongue giving it a raspberry appearance.

The disease affects most often children aged 5 to 18. Adults can also be affected.

Against the streptococcus responsible for the disease, the general practitioner or pediatrician generally prescribes an antibiotic. Thus, fevers and pain disappear fairly quickly, in the days that follow.

To avoid a relapse, it is important to complete treatment, even if the symptoms seem to have disappeared. For fever, it is possible to give your child paracetamol.

Do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor if the illness does not go away or if the fever persists. The same applies if your child is drooling or has difficulty swallowing or opening his mouth.