Health Tips

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. At the early stage, the infected person will develop fever, sore throat, headache and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The signs and symptoms are quite similar to catching influenza. However, those with scarlet fever will have skin rash which is coarse on the surface. These rashes will spread to the limbs, neck and chest. The patients will also have a layer of white coating with red dots on the tongue, usually being described as a "strawberry tongue".

Since scarlet fever can potentially lead to serious complications (eg. acute rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis), it is very important for the infected person to receive timely treatment. The drug of choice for treating scarlet fever is an antibiotic that can kill the bacteria. A ten-day course of Penicillin is the most common regimen. If the patient is allergic to Penicillin, a second generation cephalosporin like Cefuroxime can be considered as an alternative.

Besides reducing the symptoms and the risk of developing complications, antibiotics can also help to control the spread of the infection. The patients must finish the whole course of antibiotic treatment to ensure all the bacteria have been killed. Otherwise, the bacteria may mutate and develop drug resistance. The emergence of mutant strain of bacteria has become an increasingly serious problem in Hong Kong.

Apart from antibiotics, Paracetamol is also commonly used for reducing fever and pain in patients with scarlet fever. Antihistamine can be used for reducing itchiness from the rash. Saline gargles can sooth a sore throat.

Although the patients are likely to lose their appetite while they are sick, it is very important to have adequate intake of nutrients and calories. The patients are suggested to have liquid diet or soft food like congee or soup. Having adequate water intake and enough rest and taking medications according to the doctor's direction can definitely speed up the recovery.

The most effective way to prevent scarlet fever is to maintain good personal hygiene. Hands should be kept clean. The mouth and nose should be covered when coughing and sneezing. Nasal discharge and phlegm should be handled properly. Whenever there are symptoms of influenza, a face mask needs to be worn to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Source: Drug Education Resource Centre, The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Hong Kong