Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial illness that used to cause serious health problems, especially in children. While it is far less dangerous today because of the use of antibiotics, ignoring or delaying treatment can still lead to severe complications.
If you are unaware of what is the definition of scarlet fever, its symptoms, and potential risks if untreated, this blog can be a helpful read for you.
Scarlet Fever Disease
Scarlet fever is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is the same bacteria which causes strep throat. When these bacteria release toxins, they lead to rashes and other symptoms associated with the disease. Because of this, scarlet fever is directly linked to strep throat infections.
Previously in the 1800s and 1900s, scarlet fever disease was a major health concern. Today, it is less common and more easily treated, but it still requires prompt medical attention. Usually, it happens more to children of 5-15 years of age.
Scarlet Fever Symptoms
You may confuse scarlet fever symptoms with cold or cough. This illness usually begins with typical strep throat symptoms such as:
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- High fever
- Swollen glands in the neck
Within one or two days, more specific scarlet fever symptoms appear as:
- Bright red rash that feels like sandpaper, starting on the chest and spreading to other parts of the body
- Impact of Scarlet fever on tongue, often called a strawberry tongue, where the tongue appears red, bumpy, and swollen
- Flushed face with a pale ring around the mouth
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting
These are also referred to as scarlatina symptoms, and they are clear indicators that medical treatment is needed. The rash from this infection lasts up to 2-5 days.
Scarlet Fever Caused by Untreated Strep Throat
Scarlet fever is almost always linked to untreated or severe strep throat. This is because the infection spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious among children, families, and schools.
If left untreated, scarlet fever disease doesn’t just go away quietly. In fact, the infection can spread deeper into the body, leading to dangerous complications.
What Happens If Scarlet Fever is Left Untreated?
Without proper antibiotics, scarlet fever can cause serious and long-lasting damage. If its symptoms are ignored, it can lead to these complications:
1. Rheumatic Fever
One of the most severe complications, rheumatic fever, can develop weeks after untreated scarlet fever. It can inflame the heart, joints, skin, and brain. This condition may cause permanent heart damage, known as rheumatic heart disease.
2. Kidney Damage (Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis)
In this condition, the immune system may mistakenly attack the kidneys after a streptococcal infection. It can lead to blood in the urine, swelling, and long-term kidney problems.
3. Ear Infections and Abscesses
Bacteria from untreated scarlet fever can spread to the ears, leading to painful ear infections or abscesses near the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess).
4. Pneumonia and Sinus Infections
In some cases, the infection spreads to the lungs or sinuses. This causes pneumonia or severe sinusitis.
5. Sepsis (Blood Poisoning)
If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can trigger sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency care.
6. Spread to Others Around You
Since scarlet fever is contagious, an infection from an untreated case can quickly spread within households or among the people wherever the infected person goes.
Scarlatina Treatment
Doctors usually prescribe a 10-day course of antibiotics, most often penicillin or amoxicillin. Completing the full course is essential to completely eliminate the bacteria and prevent relapse or resistance.
Other supportive treatments include:
- Rest and plenty of fluids
- Warm salt-water gargles to ease throat pain
- Soft, soothing foods for easier swallowing
With prompt treatment, most patients recover fully within a week and complications are rare.
Read More: 7 Effective Remedies That Can Soothe Strep Throat Symptoms
How to Protect Yourself and Others?
Since scarlet fever caused by bacteria spreads easily, prevention is key. You can do:
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or personal items with an infected person
- Cover mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
- Keep children with scarlet fever at home until at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics
Summing Up
Scarlet fever may sound like an extinct illness, but it still exists and can be dangerous if left untreated. Recognising scarlet fever symptoms like rashes, fever, and bumpy tongue is critical for early diagnosis.
While scarlatina treatment with antibiotics makes recovery simple, if it is ignored, the infection can lead to rheumatic fever, kidney disease, and other severe complications. If you or your child shows signs of this illness, see a doctor promptly.
