Related articles: Scarlattina
Definition
Scarlet fever is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the invasion of bacteria of the genus Streptococcus . Transmitted through the droplets of saliva emitted with coughing and sneezing, scarlet fever causes symptoms such as sore throat, fever, malaise and a scarlet red skin rash, hence the name scarlet fever (this is a rash characterized by the appearance of dots and red spots, close together and slightly raised, which vanish to the touch leaving the yellow imprint of the hand). This typical rash, from the armpits and groin, typically extends to the neck, thorax, back and limbs, generally sparing the area of the nose, mouth and chin, but not the tongue, which in the first few days appears to be covered by a whitish patina dotted with red and edematous papillae. After a few days the tongue, from white, becomes wrinkled, turning into red strawberry (or raspberry tongue) due to the superficial desquamation of the organ.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Asthenia
- Chills
- Abdominal pain
- Eosinophilia
- Rash
- Temperature
- Glossitis
- Inflated tongue
- Red tongue
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nausea
- Red Dots on the Tongue
- Scarlet red skin rash
- Articular Pouring
- He retched
Further indications
Scarlet fever is more common in children and generally gives immunity for life. The regression of symptoms and the prevention of the feared complications of scarlet fever goes through antibiotic therapy, to be followed with scrupulous care according to medical indications to avoid antibiotic-resistance phenomena.
