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Can scarlet fever cause long-term effects?

Can scarlet fever cause long-term effects?

In general, appropriately diagnosed and treated scarlet fever results in few if any long-term effects. However, if complications develop for whatever reason, problems that include kidney damage, hepatitis, vasculitis, septicemia, congestive heart failure, and even death may occur.

Who is affected by scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever mainly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. It used to be a serious childhood illness, but it’s often less dangerous today.

Can scarlet fever cause liver problems?

Scarlet fever is a benign disease but it may rarely have important complications, including hepatitis.

Is scarlet fever and upper respiratory infection?

Scarlet fever may follow streptococcal wound infections or burns, as well as upper respiratory tract infections. Food-borne outbreaks have been reported. Reemergence of the condition is being recognized, perhaps because of newer virulence of the streptoccocal bacteria.

Can scarlet fever cause heart problems later in life?

Although scarlet fever was once considered a serious childhood illness, antibiotic treatments have made it less threatening. Still, if left untreated, scarlet fever can result in more-serious conditions that affect the heart, kidneys and other parts of the body.

Can scarlet fever go away on its own?

Most mild cases of scarlet fever resolve themselves within a week without treatment. However, treatment is important, as this will accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment normally involves a 10-day course of oral antibiotics, usually penicillin.

What is the main cause of scarlet fever?

Bacteria Cause Scarlet Fever Bacteria called group A Streptococcus or group A strep cause scarlet fever. The bacteria sometimes make a poison (toxin), which causes a rash — the “scarlet” of scarlet fever.

Where does scarlet fever start on the body?

The red rash of scarlet fever usually begins on the face or neck, later spreading to the chest, trunk, arms and legs. Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat.

What causes scarlet fever and what are the long term effects?

As mentioned above, bacteria called group A Streptococcus, or group A strep, cause scarlet fever. The bacteria sometimes make a poison, known as an endotoxin, that gives you a scarlet-colored rash. Group A strep live in your nose and throat and are easily passed to other people. Not everyone who is infected has symptoms.

What causes scarlet fever and what causes strep throat?

The rash of scarlet fever, which is what differentiates this disease from an isolated Group A Strep pharyngitis (or strep throat), is caused by specific strains of Group A Streptococcus which produce a pyrogenic exotoxin.

What causes scarlet fever in children and teenagers?

Scarlet fever, or scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that typically affects children and teenagers. It’s caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus, or group A strep. If the bacteria attack your throat, it’s called strep.