What is the difference between measles and scarlet fever

Scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is usually seen in the under 10s and the main symptoms are a sore throat and rash. The tongue often has a "strawberry" appearance and the rash feels rough like sandpaper when you run your fingers across it. You can see pictures of this and more reliable information by following this link at NHS Choices. There's also a good article, giving lots of useful information at Public Health Wales. Most cases are mild and it's treated with 10 days of antibiotics.

All Posts Untitled Category. Measles and Scarlet fever. Recent Posts See All. The first dose is given when your child is around 13 months old and a second dose is given before your child starts school. There was previously controversy about the safety of the MMR vaccine and a possible link with Autism.

These concerns have since been disproved and the MMR vaccine remains a safe and extremely well tested weapon in the fight against this extremely unpleasant illness. Ask your GP about having the vaccination. Hand hygiene and extreme care when looking after someone who is infected with Measles is vital to reducing the spread.

There are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection, including:. If you or your child are getting worse or experience any complications, get medical advice quickly. Scarlet fever is a highly contagious infection.

Whilst it mainly affects young children, it can affect adults too. The symptoms for children and adults are the same, but it is much rarer for adults for get scarlet fever.

It usually lasts about a week. If, a week after seeing the GP, they are still unwell, you should make another appointment. This is especially important if they have recently had chicken pox. Should they be unwell again, even if it is weeks after having had scarlet fever, this can be a sign of a complication, such as pneumonia.

They may suggest a telephone consultation with the doctor, to avoid the risk of spreading the infection to those in the surgery. Your GP will probably prescribe antibiotics and, although they will not actually cure the scarlet fever, they will help to prevent any complications developing. People who suffer from impetigo are more likely to develop complications, so should be extra vigilant. Giving them lots of cooling fluids to drink and soft foods that will be easy to swallow with a sore throat.

Adhere to strict hand hygiene rules and always use soap and warm water to wash your hands after any contact with the patient. Also ensure that used tissues are thrown away immediately and that all surfaces that have been touched are wiped down immediately. Slapped cheek can often be mistaken for scarlet fever, but it starts with a rash on the cheek which looks like the child has been slapped and then sometimes spreads to the body a few days after that.

The rash usually lasts for around two weeks, but can continue after that. HFMD is a common infectious disease which affects mainly children aged 5 and under.

It is commonly caused by viruses from the Enterovirus group. HFMD can spread from person-to-person through close personal contact via blister fluid and unwashed hands, in the air through coughing or sneezing, contact with surfaces contaminated with faeces.

Click here for more information about how long to keep your sick child off school or nursery. At First Aid for Life, we cover illnesses as well as injuries on our first aid courses and ensure you are equipped with the skills to recognise when there is something seriously wrong.

Please book on to one of our courses to ensure you have the knowledge to help your child in a medical emergency. First Aid for Life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.

Balentine, Jerry. Goldenring, John. American Academy of Pediatrics. Toggle navigation. Photo by: Thomas Perkins. Definition Scarlet fever is a rash that complicates a bacterial throat infection called strep throat. Demographics Scarlet fever primarily affects children between the ages of five and 15 years.

Causes and symptoms Scarlet fever is caused by group A streptococcal bacteria S. Diagnosis Cases of scarlet fever are usually diagnosed and treated by pediatricians or family medicine practitioners.

Treatment Although scarlet fever often clears up spontaneously within a few days, antibiotic treatment with either oral or injectable penicillin is usually recommended to reduce the severity of symptoms, prevent complications, and prevent spread to others. Prognosis If treated promptly with antibiotics, full recovery is expected. Prevention Avoiding exposure to children who have the disease helps prevent the spread of scarlet fever. Parental concerns The most important thing to do for children with scarlet fever is to carefully and completely follow the healthcare provider's instructions for administering a course of antibiotics.

Sally J. Also read article about Scarlet Fever from Wikipedia. User Contributions:. Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: Name:. E-mail: Show my email publicly. Human Verification:. Public Comment: characters.

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