Scarlet
Scarlet fever is an acute bacterial infection that occurs with general intoxication, fever, inflammation of the lymphatic tissue (palatine tonsils) and petechial rash on the limbs and trunk.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS.
Scarlet fever is caused by betagemolytic streptococcus group A. Streptococci produce a toxin. The source of infection is a sick person (scarlet fever, sore throat). The transmission mechanism is aerogenic, pathways: airborne. Bacteria multiply on the tonsils, producing a toxin. A person who has been ill acquires lifelong persistent immunity to scarlet fever. This is mainly a childhood disease. I. period from 1-12 days. The patient is most contagious in the initial period.
symptoms
Scarlet fever begins acutely, the temperature rises to 39-40 degrees and intoxication syndrome develops. There is a headache, catarrhal changes (sore throat when swallowing, hyperemia of the pharyngeal mucosa). Then a spot rash appears in the form of small red spots – this is a petechial rash (small hemorrhages in the skin). The rash has a zonality – it is most pronounced on the bends of the elbows, in the armpits. In some cases, it is accompanied by itching. With scarlet fever, special attention is paid to the appearance of the patient. The rash covers the skin of the face on the forehead, temples. There is a bright blush on the cheeks, but against this background the nose, upper lip and chin are pale bluish. The lips seem to be painted in cherry color. Sometimes regional lymphadenitis develops – the lymph nodes are enlarged, painless, mobile and not soldered to the skin.
The oral cavity with scarlet fever also has a characteristic feature: soft palate, tonsils are crimson or red, swollen, inflamed. On the tonsils, there may be pustules, purulent plaque as with angina, the tongue is red, crimson, “grainy” because of the papillae.
Another characteristic symptom for scarlet fever is “scarlet heart”. The heart is hypertrophied due to the effects of the toxin.
These symptoms persist for up to 5 days, then gradually disappear. From 5-6 days, the places where the rash was begin to peel off for 2-3 weeks.
COMPLICATIONS
Rheumatism
Glomerulonephritis
Otitis media
Myocarditis
Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
treatment
Patients with scarlet fever are subject to hospitalization for severe and moderate forms of the disease, children under 9 years of age. Antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action, penicillin series for ten days, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. If there is a purulent plaque on the tonsils, rinse the mouth with antiseptic agents. The temperature of the solution should be 38-40 degrees, rinsing should be carried out 3-4 times a day, an hour before or after meals. In case of itching, it is necessary to take antihistamines. Measures are being taken to immunize the patient, vitamin therapy. In severe cases of scarlet fever, infusion therapy is performed – intravenous glucose drip, Hemodesis, Polydesis.
PREVENTION
All patients with scarlet fever should be isolated, use separate personal hygiene products, dishes. Isolation ends after a complete clinical recovery of the patient.
In children’s institutions, quarantine is imposed for 7 days, new children are not allowed in the group.
