From the Research
Scarlet fever is treated primarily with antibiotics, specifically penicillin or amoxicillin for 10 days, as this approach has been shown to reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes 1. The treatment of scarlet fever involves the use of antibiotics to kill the Group A Streptococcus bacteria that cause the disease.
- The standard dose for children is typically amoxicillin 50 mg/kg/day divided into three doses for 10 days, while adults usually receive 500 mg three times daily for the same duration.
- For those allergic to penicillin, alternatives include clindamycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin.
- It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve quickly to prevent complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
- Supportive care is also important, including plenty of fluids, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort, and calamine lotion or antihistamines for itching from the rash.
- The illness is contagious until 24 hours after starting antibiotics, so patients should stay home during this period.
- Antibiotics work by killing the Group A Streptococcus bacteria that cause scarlet fever, while the characteristic rash results from toxins produced by these bacteria.
- Most patients show significant improvement within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics, as noted in a report discussing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for scarlet fever 1. Key considerations in the management of scarlet fever include:
- Early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of developing local and systemic complications, such as acute rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, bacteremia, pneumonia, endocarditis, and meningitis 1.
- Awareness of the symptoms of scarlet fever, which is essential for healthcare professionals, including dentists, to avoid the spread of this highly contagious disease in crowded places, such as kindergartens and schools 1.