An Overview of Treatment for Scarlet Fever
Treatment for
scarlet fever involves medicines (usually antibiotics) that can kill the bacteria that cause this disease. Treatment also focuses on relieving
scarlet fever symptoms.
Antibiotics as Treatment for Scarlet Fever
If the throat culture shows that there is group A streptococcus, you will probably be given an antibiotic prescription as treatment for scarlet fever. It is very important to finish all of the medicine. Never share any of this medicine with family or friends. If you or your child is allergic to penicillin, let your doctor know.
Treatment for Fever and Body Aches
For fever and body aches, a person can take
acetaminophen (marketed as
Tylenol®, Datril
®, and others) or
ibuprofen (marketed as Advil
®,
Motrin®, Nuprin
®, and others). If a person is under 20, he or she should not take aspirin unless the doctor approves it. In children and teens, aspirin taken for viral illnesses has been associated with the potentially fatal disease called Reye syndrome.
It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest.
Treatment for Sore Throat
Warm liquids (such as soup) or cold drinks and frozen desserts (such as popsicles or milkshakes) can help ease the pain of the sore throat. A cool mist humidifier will help keep the air in your child's room moist, which can help keep the throat from getting too sore or dry. Doctors also recommend gargling with saltwater (about half a teaspoon salt to 8 ounces of warm water) and sucking on throat lozenges, which are available over the counter in pharmacies and other stores.
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