Scarlet Fever Fears
Once common and sometimes fatal childhood ailment is making a comeback-->By: Ray Doughty
Updated: June 5, 2012
Scarlet Fever.
It's a disease many people thought disappeared a century ago, but it's still around and doctors say it needs to be treated quickly.
Pediatrician Dr. Carolyn Clear says even though scarlet fever never went away it's become much easier to treat because of antibiotics.
The red, bumpy rash is caused by toxins released by the strep bacteria.
"It's a very sand papery feel and it usually starts on the neck and the chest and the belly and spreads to the arms and the legs," Dr. Clear says.
Other symptoms include sore throat, headache, fever, fatigue and body aches.
If you suspect your child has it, they need to see a doctor.
"If it's not treated it can turn into something called rheumatic fever which can then lead to rheumatic heart disease," Dr. Clear warns.
That can cause serious heart problems later in life.
It's a disease many people thought disappeared a century ago, but it's still around and doctors say it needs to be treated quickly.
Pediatrician Dr. Carolyn Clear says even though scarlet fever never went away it's become much easier to treat because of antibiotics.
The red, bumpy rash is caused by toxins released by the strep bacteria.
"It's a very sand papery feel and it usually starts on the neck and the chest and the belly and spreads to the arms and the legs," Dr. Clear says.
Other symptoms include sore throat, headache, fever, fatigue and body aches.
If you suspect your child has it, they need to see a doctor.
"If it's not treated it can turn into something called rheumatic fever which can then lead to rheumatic heart disease," Dr. Clear warns.
That can cause serious heart problems later in life.
