Scarlet fever

memphispanda, RN · Jan 20, 2004

My oldest son gets scarlet fever every time he has strep. None of the rest of the family has ever gotten it from him, although he seems to get strep at least yearly. Anyway, I wouldn't be any more concerned about the child being exposed to scarlett fever than I would about her being exposed to strep....I wonder if possibly the child that had scarlett fever was already being treated for the infection. That could help lower the risks.

sagelola · Jan 20, 2004

The reason you get the rash from scarlet fever is the body's reaction to the toxins produced by the streptococcus bacteria. My children get the rash, too, every time they get strep throat. That's how I always know it is strep.

So, scarlet fever itself is not contagious. It is the bacteria you should be concerned about, and as the above poster said, if the child was on antibiotics for 24 hrs, then they wouldn't be contagious anymore. I know in my kids it usually takes them a couple of days for their skin to completely clear up.

Hope that helps! Just remember....WASH YOUR HANDS!!!

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2004

My dtr had severe scarlet fever with the scarlitina rash twice and developed heart complications. Nothing to play with that is for sure.

renerian

live4today, RN · Jan 21, 2004

Originally posted by renerian
My dtr had severe scarlet fever with the scarlitina rase twice and developed heart complications. Nothing to play with that is for sure.

renerian

I have an aunt that happened to. She developed serious heart complications from her childhood bouts with scarlet fever, and had to drop out of school because of her heart, and learn at home. She just didn't have the strength to climb the stairs at school, and do the other physical activities the other children did.

Today, she is in her late seventies. Has always lived a sedentary life, but so far has outlived all 14 siblings EXCEPT my mom. They are the last two alive. Being sedentary didn't hurt her any at least.

obeyacts2 · Jan 21, 2004

I guess I was worried because of her seizure hx. I had an elderly aunt that had scarlet fever when she was young and developed a seizure disorder. It didnt hurt her though, she lived to be more than 90.

Laura

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 22, 2004

My father and I both got scarlet fever when I was a little girl, and he was far sicker than I was.........it really did a number on him, made him delirious etc. and he was flat on his back in bed for over a week. I don't remember being all that sick........I had strep throat at least twice a winter every year, and I was so used to it, all that really stands out about that time is I was upset when the rash broke out. Maybe it's more serious in adults, I don't know, but then again, I've seen very little of it in the past 40 years, as opposed to strep throat........my 21-year-old gets it every single winter, and I still come down with it once every few years, as do many people.

kaiseth · Jan 29, 2004

I really think it is sad for you to call someone stupid for bringing their child to church. That is where haling comes from. Besides before throwing a hissy fit you should research the illnes. No scarlet fever is not contagious!!! If you are that concerned about catching illnesses I believe you're going into the wrong field.

LisaRN2B · Jan 29, 2004

Originally posted by kaiseth
I really think it is sad for you to call someone stupid for bringing their child to church. That is where haling comes from. Besides before throwing a hissy fit you should research the illnes. No scarlet fever is not contagious!!! If you are that concerned about catching illnesses I believe you're going into the wrong field.

Hold up a minute, kaiseth! Her concern is for her niece, not herself. The OP posted in the proper forum for this question. READ the posts before you reply.

I notice this is your first post. Please refer to the TOS for this BB before you go off half cocked in the future. :stone