The doctor makes the diagnosis of scarlet fever on the basis of the typical course of the disease; in unclear courses, a throat swab helps to detect the germs: a streptococcus rapid test provides an immediate result, a more precise germ analysis is done via a bacterial culture in the laboratory.
In complicated cases, a urine test is performed after 2 to 4 weeks to rule out inflammation of the kidneys. An elevation of antistreptolysin can be detected in the blood – an examination that is performed when streptococcal sequelae are suspected.
Treatment for scarlet fever
Doctors still recommend taking antibiotics (usually penicillin) for 10 days (not shorter, even if symptoms improve!) as the best therapy.
It has several advantages:
- First, it reduces the risk of serious sequelae of infection.
- On the other hand, the affected person is no longer contagious 24 hours after the start of therapy (while otherwise the contagiousness is about 3 weeks).
- In addition, the well-being improves after a short time, which can otherwise be limited weeks.
Especially for kindergarten and school children, but also for adults, these are undeniable advantages.
Scarlet fever treat homeopathically?
There are advocates of classical homeopathy who are convinced that scarlet fever can also be cured only with homeopathics and then there are fewer relapses. In such cases, however, a close medical control is indispensable in order to recognize possible consequential damages early.
Home remedies for scarlet fever
A few days of bed rest are recommended for scarlet fever, and the affected person should drink plenty of fluids. Whether warm or cold drinks depends on individual preferences. Because of the sore throat, liquid food is best – for example, broth, soup or thick vegetable juices.
Gargling with chamomile and sage tea (hourly and 3 times a day, respectively) inhibits the spread of germs, protects the mucous membrane and helps against the sore throat. Throat compresses with lemon and curd have a decongestant, cooling and detoxifying effect.
Other measures for scarlet fever
It is recommended that the affected person rest for a few days; a kindergarten or school child should stay at home for at least a week (if not treated with antibiotics until no longer contagious, about 3 weeks).
Contact persons such as parents or siblings are usually treated only if they have symptoms and the throat swab is positive. Exceptions are, for example, the presence of certain other diseases.
Tip: After the disease, the toothbrush should be changed: The bristles are an ideal “hiding place” for streptococci, which like to travel from there after antibiotic therapy and can cause complaints again.
