Diagnosis and treatment for scarlet fever

Diagnosis and treatment for scarlet fever
The rash that accompanies scarlet fever is unique and may be readily identified by a physician. The physician will also compile a medical history, including any potential exposure to infection, and perform a physical examination. Although scarlet fever is not usually difficult to diagnose, milder cases (in which throat examination does not conclusively show strep infection) may resemble other conditions, such as rubella.
Identification of the Streptococci bacteria is also important. A physician or nurse may use a swab to take a sample of material from the back of the throat. A rapid strep test of this sample may identify strep throat in about five to 10 minutes. A throat culture takes two to three days to identify strep throat as the source of the scarlet fever.
Physicians treat scarlet fever with antibiotics. Patients should remain away from school, work or other public areas until they have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours. The antibiotic prescription should be used until it is finished (usually 10 days), even if the symptoms have subsided. Other symptoms of scarlet fever may also be treated to make the patient more comfortable. Foods and beverages to soothe a sore throat include soup and ice cream. Patients should drink plenty of liquids. A pain reliever such as acetaminophen may be given to children with fever. Children with fever should never take aspirin because of the potential for developing Reye syndrome.