{"id":19884,"date":"2020-02-03T06:15:38","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T06:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=19884"},"modified":"2021-10-14T03:44:27","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T03:44:27","slug":"14-symptoms-of-scarlet-fever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/14-symptoms-of-scarlet-fever\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms of Scarlet Fever"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Scarlet Fever is a common health condition that’s diagnosed at a rate of a few thousand cases per year. The disease mostly occurs in children, although can also affect any adults who have not been vaccinated against the disease (or anyone with a compromised immune system due to any other medical condition).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of Scarlet Fever include the appearance of a characteristic rash affecting the body and spreading to the inside of the mouth: This is called “strawberry tongue” and is considered a symptom that almost always certainly indicates Scarlet Fever. It can also include a range of other symptoms indicative of an infection in the body. such as a general fever and night sweats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that you have Scarlet Fever, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your doctor at the first sign of symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 14 symptoms of Scarlet Fever that you should know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Fever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fever is a generalized medical symptom that anyone should take notice of when it happens: Most commonly, a fever is caused by internal, underlying health conditions (such as infections or viruses) that spike the body’s internal temperature in an attempt to rid the body of the threat. It’s one of the first signs that doctors look for, and it’s one of the first signs that mean you are – in some way or another – sick, or your body is reacting to something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scarlet Fever <\/a>is named for the scarlet rash that accompanies it, but also for the fact that it is usually accompanied by a high fever for the duration of the infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any fever that lasts for longer than a few hours and doesn’t respond to conventional treatment with paracetamol the first time around should mean an immediate appointment with your doctor or a trip to the emergency room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Sore Throat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A sore throat is one of the first common signs of the flu or having a cold, but it can also be a general sign that goes together with a number of different infections – including what’s called “strep throat”, some types of respiratory infections and most cases of Scarlet Fever. Trouble swallowing and throat redness might also accompany this symptom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difference between a regular sore throat<\/a> and Scarlet Fever is the presence of the characteristic Scarlet Fever-rash on the skin and the symptom known as “strawberry tongue” where the redness and other symptoms spread to the mouth and throat – usually together with pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptom of a sore throat can be symptomatically relieved for the infection’s duration with proper hydration throughout. This symptom usually disappears along with the rest of the infection, although might stick around for a few days longer than the rash before going away completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. “Strawberry Tongue”<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Strawberry tongue” is the name for the most common diagnostic symptom or sign of developing Scarlet Fever. Along with a spotted skin rash that defines the condition, this rash is also likely to spread to the tongue and throat from there – and the tongue develops a very specific Strawberry-like appearance due to the spots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is normally uncomfortable and painful, and it’s likely to last for the entire duration of a Scarlet Fever infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other symptoms experienced together with this will include a fever, sore throat, and characteristic spotted rash<\/a>, which may or may not be painful, but will very likely be itchy and uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See your doctor at the first symptoms of “strawberry tongue” as there are very few things that can cause this as a symptom, and early treatment of Scarlet Fever is key to a fast recovery if this is the infection you’ve picked up. Symptoms can get worse from there if not treated in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Nausea and Vomiting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nausea <\/a>and vomiting are two common symptoms that will accompany a Scarlet Fever infection and are likely to last for as long as the infection does. It might be either nausea or it might be vomiting – and it could also turn out to be both of these symptoms at the same time, although not every case of Scarlet Fever is experienced in the same way by everyone who develops it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any uncontrollable nausea and vomiting are good reasons to see your doctor, especially if attempts at treating it with over-the-counter medication has been unsuccessful and especially if the vomiting and nausea lasts for several hours. Even if you don’t experience any other symptoms, this is one you should always see your doctor about to find out what it might indicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where it’s seen in combination with the most characteristic symptoms, you can know that it’s likely Scarlet Fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Characteristic Spotted Rash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the first characteristic symptoms that one should look out for if you suspect Scarlet Fever is a characteristic spotted rash accompanied by a fever. The rash can start near the genitals or upper legs and spread to the rest of the body and extremities from there; the rash also always spreads to the throat, lips, and mouth causing the condition that’s known as “strawberry tongue.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rash is usually red and uncomfortable with itching <\/a>which turns worse at night. The rash may or may not be painful. It can be symptomatically relieved with the use of topical over-the-counter creams, although will only disappear when the condition itself has been treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, these symptoms are most likely to be indicative of Scarlet Fever. You might experience all of these symptoms together at once, or some of them individually: See your doctor whether or not you suspect Scarlet Fever. Early diagnosis and treatment of your condition is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Enlarged Nodes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Enlarged lymph nodes<\/a> are one of the characteristic signs that you are likely to see in a case of Scarlet Fever together with “strawberry tongue” and a spotted rash: Other combinations of symptoms on top of this including fever and nausea are very common.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost in the same way as a fever, enlarged lymph nodes are indicative of an infection within the body: Where it’s not Scarlet Fever, the same symptoms (normally in the absence of strawberry tongue) can indicate the presence of another serious medical condition or infections that have to be diagnosed and treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See your doctor for any enlarged lymph nodes that stay unchanged for more than a few hours at a time, even if you don’t experience any other symptoms together with it. There are many other infections that could be indicated by this symptom, and most of them are crucial to diagnose and treat as soon as possible before other symptoms have a chance to take hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Fatigue and Tiredness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fatigue and tiredness <\/a>(even though you might be getting more than the recommended amount of sleep per night) are very common symptoms when the body is battling any kind of illness or infection – and it’s something that you might experience together with a range of infections including the common flu, but also including more serious infections such as Scarlet Fever that can have closely related symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re feeling more tired than you are used to, see your doctor to find out why: Fatigue almost always indicates a condition or infection that has to be treated, and the symptoms usually goes away once the main infection has been treated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A combination of symptoms such as “strawberry tongue” together with fatigue is more likely to be a diagnosis of Scarlet Fever: See your doctor for the proper tests to be sure which infection or condition is causing your symptoms (and before any attempts to treat it).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Pastias Lines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pastias lines are a common symptom that’s seen in most instances of Scarlet Fever infection, although it’s also a sign that can go together with a range of other infections. These are red or white lines that appear on the skin, and most commonly appear in the creases and folds as a result of an underlying infection or medical condition that causes it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, it will start in one area of the body and spread from there. In cases where it’s caused by Scarlet Fever, the characteristic signs of “strawberry tongue” and the spreading, spotted rash are the most likely symptoms you’ll experience. The other symptoms of generalized infection are all likely to accompany this, including fever, coughing<\/a>, night sweats and sometimes symptoms becoming worse at night.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of these symptoms mean that you should see your doctor as soon as possible. The variety of infections with Pastias lines as a symptom (including Scarlet Fever) are all best treated early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Reddened Skin Post-Rash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most cases of Scarlet Fever will have reddened skin as one of the symptoms going together with the rash: It’s likely to happen just before the onset of the rest of the symptoms, and it’s likely to happen after the signs of the rash have finally gone away – and for a while thereafter, the skin is likely to feel red, painful and sunburned for at least a few days to a week after Scarlet Fever has been treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look out for any signs of skin reddening or sensitivity <\/a>and consider this one of the first symptoms to make a doctor’s appointment for: It could help you to spot an impending Scarlet Fever infection early on and make it possible to treat before the rest of the symptoms are experienced.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reddened skin that most people experience post-rash can be treated with the use of over-the-counter skin creams and obvious care methods (such as avoiding any material that might rub against the skin).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Palate and Tongue Affectedness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The majority of cases that will eventually be diagnosed as Scarlet Fever are ones that might start with a sore throat or rash but soon spread to a more advanced version of the symptom encompassing the bodily rash, the clear appearance of “strawberry tongue” and the affectedness of the lips, soft palate and tongue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many infections that can be similar (and have many of the same symptom) as Scarlet Fever, but aren’t: Symptoms like “strawberry tongue” and affectedness of the palate by the rash are some of the ones that can give your doctor a better indication of what type of infection they have to diagnose and treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The palate and tongue affectedness is likely to include discomfort<\/a>, sensitivity, swelling, and pain – and it’s also just as likely to be accompanied by most of the other symptoms that are mentioned on this list. It can be symptomatically treated with proper hydration for the duration of the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Arthritis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Other than the most obvious and characteristic signs of Scarlet Fever that have already been listed earlier on in this article together with the general signs and symptoms of illness or infection<\/a>, there are more possible symptoms that can define a Scarlet Fever infection – and then there are complications that might occur as a result of Scarlet Fever, triggering other medical conditions as a long-term result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arthritis is one of the health conditions which might accompany Scarlet Fever: It’s considered a separate medical condition with its own forms of management, although it can also be considered a condition that might be triggered (or sometimes worsened) if you have contracted Scarlet Fever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve ever been diagnosed with Scarlet Fever, it very well might cause an arthritis flare-up, or trigger the condition to start. This is more likely if the bout of Scarlet Fever was left untreated, or if there is a history of arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Sinusitis as a Complication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Arthritis isn’t the only potential inflammatory condition that might be triggered by a Scarlet Fever infection, especially one that’s s left untreated. Sinusitis – or a general infection and inflammation of the sinus cavities – is very often seen together with cases of Scarlet Fever as an additional complication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of sinusitis <\/a>include a blocked nose and fever, and it can commonly be mistaken for the flu or a common cold due to the fact that the symptoms are so similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinusitis is also a condition that might stand on its own (and might happen even in the total absence of scarlet fever). See your doctor if you experience any nasal discharge, headaches that feel like a “head cold” or repetitive issues with a blocked nose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can help you to establish whether or not it’s sinusitis or something similar such as an allergy to neighborhood plants and pollen. From there, whatever condition causing these symptoms should be easier to treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Kidney Disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kidney disease is a blanket term that can describe any number of medical conditions that directly (and often chronically) affects the kidneys; if you have kidney disease, you are likely to experience lower back pain, changes in appetite, changes in mood and might even have the condition affect the tinge of the whites of the eyes (and yellowing can be one of the first tip-off signs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes advanced stages of kidney disease or malfunction will lead to the need for dialysis treatment and for eventual kidney transplantation or surgery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kidney disease can also be one of the accompanying disorders seen after a very advanced Scarlet Fever infection: The kidneys are one of the hardest affected areas of the body after one has healed – especially if the infection was particularly virulent or was improperly treated or initially misdiagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See your doctor at the first signs of kidney disease even if you aren’t showing other symptoms and even if you haven’t recently had an infection like Scarlet Fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Heart Inflammation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Advanced or untreated Scarlet Fever has the potential to affect many other organs in the body, and the potential damage of an untreated or misdiagnosed Scarlet Fever infection might cause permanent long-term effects. It doesn’t only have the potential to affect the kidneys, but it might also extend to affecting the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation of the heart is common in some cases of Scarlet Fever, and it’s one of the most serious and dangerous complications that might go together with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience any chest pain or heart palpitations <\/a>during or after Scarlet Fever symptoms, see your doctor – and if you experience these symptoms at all, the same sentence is just as true. See your doctor for any chest tightness or pain, and sometimes for coughing and lower back pain: Sometimes all of these can be indicative of serious heart conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes a simple referral to a cardiologist for the right tests and scans to tell you what condition your heart is in: In the interest of your health, see your doctor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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