As a loving parent, we want to ensure that our children are happy and healthy at all times. We do what we can to ensure that they live a good life in that way, but there are going to be times when illness strikes and there’s not much we can do about it. Of course, we do what we can to make them comfortable and help it go away but avoiding illness is impossible.
Some illnesses come and go quickly but others can be quite severe and you need to catch them as early as possible. That is the case with scarlet fever, an illness that is making a surprising come back. It is characterized by a sore throat, itching and a rash. When it happens, we want to be on top of it as quickly as possible.
There was a large increase in scarlet fever cases in recent years because of an aggressive, new strain. We’ve come a long way since the Middle Ages, when it could’ve been a very serious and potentially deadly problem.
What Causes Scarlet Fever?
The Streptococcus bacteria, which also causes strep throat, can infect the children by secreting toxins. When children are susceptible to the bacteria, they may get scarlet fever. The first sign is typically a sunburn like rash on the neck, face, back and chest and the area around the mouth is primarily unaffected.
Six days later, the skin begins to peel off along with other symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Often Scarlet Fever is accompanied by a:
Red Rash
Flushed face
Sore throat
Itchy skin
Swollen neck glands.
High Fever (101°F)
Abdominal pain
What can I do?
Scarlet fever is contagious so limit the contact your child has with siblings and friends. Be sure they have separate toothbrushes and use different cutlery from the rest of the family. Your child should not go out until the infection is gone.
It typically takes 10 days of antibiotic treatment to get rid of scarlet fever. Improvement may be seen sooner than 10 days, but the medicine should be given for its full course. You have to wait 24 hours after the symptoms disappear before you send them back to school.
If the bacteria is left unattended, it could damage the heart, kidneys and other parts of the body.
Treating the Symptoms
You are likely looking to provide relief for your child because the discomfort can be severe. Try some of these natural pain relievers and remedies for your child.
Apple cider vinegar – There are numerous health benefits to Apple cider vinegar, including healing a sore throat. You can warm it and add cayenne pepper for that purpose. Apple cider vinegar is acetic acid, so it can treat infections in burn patients. Put it on a cotton cloth and apply it to the scarlet fever rash.
You can use raw honey, raspberry leaves and mint in hot water two or three times daily to improve a sore throat.
Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep your child from coughing and further throat irritation. You can add lavender oil or other essential oils to help reduce inflammation.
Lavender oil may be used for a variety of things. It can lower the symptoms of scarlet fever by moisturizing itchy and dry skin. Apply lavender oil by adding 2% to olive or almond oil.
Fingernails should be kept short so they don’t damage their skin from scratching it.
Help to maintain their nutrition with warm fluids, including a honey lemon tea. You should also include soups and soft foods in the diet.
Be sure that your child stays hydrated so they can function normally. This may also help with a scratchy throat.
Avoid cleaning supplies and smoking in the area, as it can be an irritant.
In conclusion, it can be difficult to watch your child go through the pain of scarlet fever. Try to treat their symptoms but remember to follow your doctor’s instructions.
H/T: The Hearty Soul
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