Scarlet fever
Also known as scarlatina, Scarlet fever is a throat infection that is caused by a strain of streptococcus bacillus that is no longer very common.
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It starts with a sore throat and a fever, the tonsils become swollen and inflamed and your child may have headaches and vomit. About three days after this a rash of tiny spots may appear around the neck and in the armpits; this will then spread over the whole body. The tongue's surface may become red and swollen and look like a strawberry.
What to do
Get medical advice so you have an accurate diagnosis. Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice for this condition provided your child is not allergic to it. Other than this, there is nothing specific that you can do. Treat the fever and make sure your child has plenty of fluids.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 03.11.2010
- Asthma
- Colic
- Child conjunctivitis
- Coughing
- Cradle cap
- Croup
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- Diarrhoea
- Drowsiness
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- Fingers caught in door
- Gluten sensitivity
- Hayfever
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- Pneumococcal infection
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- Toxocara
- Urticaria
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- Bruise
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- Whooping cough (Pertussis)
- Burns
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- Chicken pox
- Colds
- Cold sore/Herpes simplex
- Cows' milk protein allergy
- Feeding problems in babies
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