Scarlet Fever Rash, Rheumatic Fever Symptoms Cause Contagious Strep Throat Bacteria Infection
Untreated, and highly contagious, strep throat can lead to scarlet fever. And both can lead incurable rheumatic fever. Streptococcal bacteria infection is the underlying cause for all three.
Strep bacteria is spread via direct contact with throat mucus, nasal discharge and saliva of an infected person.
Scarlet fever is typically preceded by strep throat, and begins with the development of a “tiny red bumps” rash on your chest and stomach area. This rash may spread all over, last up to a week, and your finger and toe tips often peel afterwards.
Scarlet fever’s rash texturally feels like sandpaper, with a sunburn appearance. Skin folds or creased areas will be noticeably redder, creating a look of red lines.
Some other signs and symptoms of scarlet fever are:
- headache
- 101+ fever
- body aches
- flush rosy face
- pale around lips
- nausea/vomiting
- swollen neck glands
- whitish tongue coating
- bright strawberry looking tongue
- red, sore throat with white/yellow patches
Treatment for scarlet fever is antibiotics. Furthermore, this fever is considered contagious for at least 24 hours after commencement treatment.
Occasionally, scarlet fever may pop up with little or no noticeable symptoms of a strep throat infection.
Rheumatic fever is a rare inflammatory complication of untreated strep throat that can potentially result in permanent damage, most notably rheumatic heart disease. This heart condition is marked by permanent heart valve damage, which may result in future heart failure.
Rheumatic fever can permanently damage other parts of your body as well, such as
- skin
- brain
- joints
Symptoms of rheumatic fever may include:
- fever
- fatigue
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- faint pinkish red rash
- jerky body movements
- painful, swollen joints ~ arthritis
Unfortunately, once you’ve had a bout with rheumatic fever, you are more liable to experience future attacks. Current treatment for this health situation is a low dose of antibiotics, potentially for your lifetime.
Whenever you suspect strep bacteria has invaded the health of your throat, get it checked out before it has a chance to check into a cause for scarlet or rheumatic fever.
Along Similar Health Lines:
- Impetigo Skin Infection Crusty Sores Causes for Treatment
- Laryngitis (Voice Box) Cause for Sore Throat and Hoarse, Weak or Lost Voice
- Sever Sore Throat Tonsillitis Cause for Hard, Trouble, Difficulty or Other Swallowing Problems
- Coxsackie Virus Causes Hand Foot and Mouth Disease, Herpangina, Fever, Blisters for Treatment
