Children's Health: Scarlet Fever
“Scientists baffl ed as scarlet fever hits a 50 year high.” The Times, 28th November, 2017
GPs have been alerted by Public Heath England (PHE) about the rise of this condition; I have certainly diagnosed more cases in the past year, so I have witnessed at fi rst hand a resurgence of what was considered an infection of the past. PHE is being notifi ed of about 600 cases a week – and this is expected to get worse as numbers usually peak in April.
The bacteria involved is Group A-Streptococcus, or Strep A. It is spread from close contact with those infected – through droplets in coughs and sneezes – but is also caught from contaminated objects and surfaces. For this reason it is classifi ed as ‘highly contagious’.
Scarlet fever causes a sore throat, fever and typical infection symptoms such as a headache and lethargy. Within two days of the illness starting, a rash develops which is pinkish red – not usually as dramatic as scarlet – starting on the torso and the face and then spreading.
Usually the skin feels dry and papery, which makes this easy to differentiate from other types of rashes children may get with viruses. I’ve seen it described as ‘like goose-bumps on sunburn’, which is pretty accurate. We also look for a ‘strawberry tongue’, where the tongue appears red and bumpy – another classic sign. Most
cases (about 80%) occur in children under 10 (usually between two and eight years of age). However, people of any age can get the illness. We are trying to reduce unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics (particularly for run of the mill, viral sore throats) but when the clear features described above are present, using these drugs to tackle scarlet fever is appropriate.
It is important to start antibiotics quickly and remain at home for at least the fi rst 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. The spread of infection is a problem as the condition is highly contagious, which is why staying at home is crucial. Outbreaks are already being reported in schools and nurseries: good hand hygiene is an essential part of controlling the spread.
Without antibiotic treatment, your child will be infectious for 1-2 weeks after symptoms appear. Other self-care measures are drinking plenty of cool fl uids, eating soft food, paracetamol for fever reduction and antihistamines if the rash is itchy.
It is not at all clear why this condition is becoming more common, but prompt treatment is key for the patient and to prevent spread to others.
Dr Mark Bridgman Hadleigh Lodge Surgery
www.thehadleighpractice.nhs.uk
● Largest range of bikes in town! ● Giant ● Saracen ● Genisis ● Brompton
● Adventure ● Ridgeback ● GT ● Frog ● Merida ● ELECTRIC BIKES
from Giant, Ridgeback and Saracen
● Huge range of accessories ● Bike fi tting / Custom builds / Wheel building ● 0% Finance (subject to status)
14 - 15 Falkland Square | Poole | BH15 1ER Email
cyclepathspoole@aol.com Tel 01202 680123
34
www.cycle-paths.co.uk Explore, leap, climb and party to the max at the area’s largest soft play and party centre.
NOW OPPOSITE POOLE TRAIN STATION
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
