To conclude our 10 part series on flu symptoms that are common to other conditions we would like to highlight the characteristic symptoms of Scarlet Fever.Description A disorder characterized by a rash covering most of the body, a strawberry-like appearance of the tongue and usually a high fever.The most common source of scarlet fever is strep throat (a bacterial infection of the throat).Scarlet fever is now relatively rare, and is most often seen in patients with ages 5-15.Symptoms Sore throat, fever, vomiting, rash on neck and chest, rough "sandpaper" feel to the skin, peeling of the skin (finger tips, toes, and groin), swollen red tongue (strawberry tongue), pastia's lines (bright red color in the creases of the underarm and groin), chills, headache, generalized discomfort (malaise), abdominal pain, muscle aches.Tests A history and physical exam will be performed.The streptoccocal bacteria can be identified with a antigen test or a culture.Treatment Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment.Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and oral fluids can help relieve symptoms.Antibiotics are important since they help prevent rheumatic fever, the most feared complication of strep throat and scarlet fever.As you can see the most important distinction between the two conditions is the associated rash.Both disorders have high fevers but a rash is uncommon with the flu.Unlike hand foot and mouth disease that we reviewed earlier in the week the rash in scarlet fever is a rough sandpaper type of rash that is found on the neck and chest rather than the palms and feet.Patients can also experience a red discoloration of the tongue called a "strawberry tongue".Pictures of the rash and the strawberry tongue can be found on iTriage.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu Vs Scarlet Fever
To conclude our 10 part series on flu symptoms that are common to other conditions we would like to highlight the characteristic symptoms of Scarlet Fever.Description A disorder characterized by a rash covering most of the body, a strawberry-like appearance of the tongue and usually a high fever.The most common source of scarlet fever is strep throat (a bacterial infection of the throat).Scarlet fever is now relatively rare, and is most often seen in patients with ages 5-15.Symptoms Sore throat, fever, vomiting, rash on neck and chest, rough "sandpaper" feel to the skin, peeling of the skin (finger tips, toes, and groin), swollen red tongue (strawberry tongue), pastia's lines (bright red color in the creases of the underarm and groin), chills, headache, generalized discomfort (malaise), abdominal pain, muscle aches.Tests A history and physical exam will be performed.The streptoccocal bacteria can be identified with a antigen test or a culture.Treatment Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment.Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and oral fluids can help relieve symptoms.Antibiotics are important since they help prevent rheumatic fever, the most feared complication of strep throat and scarlet fever.As you can see the most important distinction between the two conditions is the associated rash.Both disorders have high fevers but a rash is uncommon with the flu.Unlike hand foot and mouth disease that we reviewed earlier in the week the rash in scarlet fever is a rough sandpaper type of rash that is found on the neck and chest rather than the palms and feet.Patients can also experience a red discoloration of the tongue called a "strawberry tongue".Pictures of the rash and the strawberry tongue can be found on iTriage.
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