Vaccination

Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria known as Group A Streptococci. Unlike other childhood diseases such as measles, mumps or rubella, against which one can successfully vaccinate nowadays, this is unfortunately not possible with scarlet fever. An immunity is therefore not given.

Scarlet fever can occur several times in the course of one’s life, as even an infection does not make one immune to the disease. Scarlet fever is a common infectious disease that occurs mainly in childhood. Since the course of the disease is usually uncomplicated, complications are rare and treatment with antibiotics is simple and effective, the prognosis is very good.

The majority of children suffering from scarlet fever recover within a short period of time and do not develop a secondary disease.However, if a kidney disease (glomerulonephritis) or rheumatic fever develops as a result of infection with the scarlet fever causing bacterium (Streptococcus pyogenes), the prognosis is correspondingly worse and a longer and more severe course of the disease must be expected. Therefore it is all the more important to take the antibiotic prescribed by the paediatrician strictly according to the instructions, because by the continuous penicillin therapy over 10 days the occurrence of a subsequent illness can be prevented to a large extent. Unlike childhood diseases caused by viruses, such as chickenpox (varicella), a person can get scarlet fever several times in their life. A scarlet fever that has been through does not offer any permanent protection against infection (immunity). In 1-4% of the cases, scarlet fever occurs as a secondary disease.

Duration of the rash

The rash of scarlet fever disappears after about three to four days. However, it may take up to a week for the rash to disappear. After about two to four weeks the skin starts to peel.

Scarlet fever during pregnancy

Most people develop scarlet fever at least once during their childhood. Scarlet fever is one of the typical childhood diseases. However, an infection that has been through does not lead to immunity, as is the case with some other diseases.

Therefore, even if you have already had scarlet fever during your life, there is still a risk of a new infection during pregnancy. The risk is particularly high in community facilities such as kindergartens, schools and the like. However, unlike other diseases, scarlet fever is not a direct threat to pregnancy.

It does not lead to malformations in the child or to pregnancy complications. Nevertheless, pregnant women should always consult a physician if they feel ill and have symptoms to ensure good care. It is important that scarlet fever is treated with an antibiotic, penicillin, to prevent secondary diseases. This is because, unlike scarlet fever itself, scarlet fever can be dangerous during pregnancy. In principle, however, scarlet fever is not a cause for concern and, thanks to the highly effective drugs available in industrialized countries, secondary diseases are virtually non-existent.