What does strep rash look like

Try an over-the-counter anti-itch medicine to help relieve the itching. The bacterial infection that causes scarlet fever is contagious. Kids with scarlet fever can spread the bacteria to others through sneezing and coughing.

A skin infection caused by strep bacteria, like impetigo, can be passed through contact with the skin. When a child is sick at home, it's always safest to keep his or her toothbrush, drinking glasses, and eating utensils separate from those of other family members, and to wash these items well in hot soapy water. Wash your own hands often as you care for a child with a strep infection.

Call the doctor whenever your child suddenly develops a rash, especially if he or she also has a fever, sore throat, or swollen glands. This is especially important if your child has any of the symptoms of strep throat, or if someone in your family or at your child's daycare or school recently had a strep infection. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Scarlet Fever? What Are the Symptoms of Scarlet Fever? How Is Scarlet Fever Diagnosed? How Is Scarlet Fever Treated?

Humans are the main source of these bacteria. These bacteria can produce a toxin, or poison, that causes the bright red rash on the body.

This means that any person can contract scarlet fever if they come into direct contact with these infected droplets and then touch their own mouth, nose, or eyes. You may also get scarlet fever if you drink from the same glass or eat off of the same utensils as a person with the infection. In some cases, group A strep infections have been spread through contaminated food. Group A strep can cause a skin infection in some people.

These skin infections, known as cellulitis , can spread the bacteria to others. However, touching the rash of scarlet fever will not spread the bacteria since the rash is a result of the toxin not the bacteria itself.

You catch scarlet fever from being in close contact with others who are infected. In most cases, the rash and other symptoms of scarlet fever will be gone in about 10 days to 2 weeks with antibiotic treatment.

However, scarlet fever can cause serious complications. These can include:. Ear infections, throat abscesses, and pneumonia can best be avoided if scarlet fever is treated promptly with the proper antibiotics.

This is called a throat swab and is used to create a throat culture. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory to determine whether group A Streptococcus is present. This may help identify a group A strep infection while you wait.

Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics. Make sure you or your child complete the entire course of the prescribed medication. This will help prevent the infection from causing complications or continuing further. You can also give certain over-the-counter OTC medications, such as acetaminophen Tylenol , for fever and pain.

Check with your doctor to see if your child is old enough to receive ibuprofen Advil, Motrin. Adults may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Other remedies include eating ice pops, ice cream, or warm soup. Gargling with salt water and using a cool air humidifier can also decrease the severity and pain of a sore throat. Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent scarlet fever.

Here are some prevention tips to follow and to teach your children:. Scarlet fever needs to be treated with antibiotics. However, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and discomfort that come with scarlet fever. Here are a few remedies to try:. AOSD can also cause a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. ASOD is characterized by flare-ups and remission. West Nile virus WNV is transmitted by being bitten by a mosquito infected with the virus. The best way to prevent WNV infection is to keep your skin covered with long-sleeve shirts and pants, wear insect repellent, and remove any standing water around your home.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS is a viral pneumonia first identified in Symptoms are similar to those of the flu and can include:. Researchers are working a vaccine for SARS, but there is currently no confirmed treatment. Polio is a highly contagious virus that attacks the nervous system and is most common in children younger than 5 years old.

Flu-like symptoms, like sore throat, are the most common symptoms of polio. Less than 1 percent of polio cases will result in permanent paralysis. Thanks to the polio vaccine developed in and the global polio eradication initiative, much of the world is now polio-free. Regions include:. Allergic reactions that cause a rash and swollen throat can range from mild to severe.

A severe reaction is known as anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency that can affect breathing. Seek immediate medical treatment if you experience this reaction. This can be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection. Treatment for a rash and sore, swollen throat depends on the cause.

For example, antihistamine medications can treat a rash and swollen throat caused by an allergic reaction. In severe instances, epinephrine can help reduce swelling in the throat.

Your doctor also may prescribe or recommend a topical lotion or spray to reduce itching and discomfort from a rash. Avoid scratching a rash to minimize its spread and prevent it from worsening and becoming infected. Keep the area dry and clean, using unscented, gentle soap and warm water. Applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream may help reduce and soothe the rash. Gargling with warm salt water can soothe a sore throat. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids may help sustain the energy your body needs to heal.

If you develop a swollen throat rapidly and have difficulty breathing, you should be evaluated immediately in an emergency room. Frequent hand-washing helps control the spread of infection. This includes washing your hands after sneezing, before and after eating, and after direct contact with others. Avoiding common allergens such as strongly scented cosmetics and cigarette smoke can reduce the likelihood of a reaction. Sore throats are a common symptom caused by infections or environmental factors.

We help you out with the causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor. Get tips for soothing a sore throat, such as gargling salt water, rucking lozenges, using a humidifier, drinking tea with honey, staying hydrated, and….