• This is a bacterial infection affecting the skin and mouth
• This characteristically spreads very easily among children

SYMPTOMS

It can start off flu like symptoms with

• Fever
• Rash- Rough sandpaper like red rash. The rash generally develops after 2 to 3 days . It starts from the trunk, underarms, and groin  and then it spreads to the extremities. The palms and soles are usually spared
• Neck pain
• Sore throat with enlarged tonsils
• White coated tongue which then becomes red called“strawberry tongue”

Investigations

• The typical history and clinical features of rash with the changes in tongue and mouth can help diagnose the condition
• Sometimes the doctor may swab the tonsils to test for bacteria or even do blood investigations based on severity of infection

Treatment

• Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics for 10 or 14 days.
• Penicillin or amoxicillin is the first-line treatment.if the child is allergic to penicillin, then other alternatives are used

Complications

Are relatively rare with the advent of antibiotics. They could include

• Ear infection
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Tonsillitis
• Sinusitis
• Sepsis

Home remedy

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Regular painkillers like paracetamol to bring down a temperature 
• Applying calamine lotion or antihistamine tablets to stop itching