Scarlet fever sequelae, these complications are very harmful

Scarlet fever is characterized by high fever, rash all over the body, and skin desquamation after the rash subsides. Scarlet fever can cause a series of complications and can be harmful to the heart, kidneys, and joints. It is important to take good care of scarlet fever patients and reduce fever in a timely manner.

1. Complications of scarlet fever

(I) Purulent complications may be caused by direct invasion of nearby tissues and organs by the pathogens of the disease or other bacteria. Common complications include otitis media, mastoiditis, paranasal sinusitis, cervical soft tissue inflammation, cellulitis, pneumonia, etc. Due to the early application of antibacterial therapy, such complications are rare.

(ii) Toxic complications are caused by various bacterial biological factors and are more common in the first week, such as toxic myocarditis, pericarditis, etc. The lesions are mostly transient and the prognosis is good.

(III) Allergic complications are generally seen in the recovery period, and may include rheumatoid arthritis, myocarditis, endocarditis, pericarditis and acute glomerulonephritis. When acute nephritis occurs, the disease is generally mild and can heal on its own, and rarely becomes chronic.

1. Rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can affect both large and small joints. They are migratory and may cause redness and swelling. Serous exudate may accumulate in the joint cavity. Some people may develop rheumatic myocarditis, endocarditis and pericarditis. Valvular damage may occur after the acute phase. The onset of the disease is related to immune response, but has nothing to do with M protein antibodies.

2. The occurrence of acute glomerulonephritis is related to the types of group A streptococci, types 1, 4, 12, 18 and 25. In particular, type 12 infection is prone to nephritis and is called the "nephritogenic type". The disease usually lasts for about a month. Most patients can recover completely, but a few can develop into chronic nephritis.

3. Arthritis may occur 2 to 3 weeks after the onset of fever, mainly manifested by swelling and pain in large joints.

2. Scarlet fever care

In daily life, when there is a child in the family suffering from scarlet fever, isolation and disinfection measures should be taken, windows should be opened frequently for ventilation, tableware should be separated from those of other family members, and tableware, toys, etc. should be washed and disinfected with hot soapy water. People with sore throats can gargle with saline solution. If conditions permit, they can use a cool mist humidifier at home to replenish moisture in the air, which helps relieve sore throats. You can use a wet washcloth to relieve swollen glands around your child's neck. When the rash is itchy, be sure to keep your child's nails short to avoid excessive scratching and infection. High fever can be treated with smaller doses of antipyretics or physical cooling methods.