Definition
Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by group A beta hemolytic streptococci.
It is a contagious pathology typical of the pediatric age; in fact, it mainly affects children aged 3 to 15. However, even if rarely, the disease can also be contracted by adults.
Causes
As mentioned, scarlet fever is caused by a "bacterial infection sustained by group A beta hemolytic streptococci, particularly by Streptococcus pyogenes.
The infection occurs through the saliva or mucus of an infected patient, but also through commonly used objects (such as cutlery, clothes, glasses, etc.) over which the streptococcus is able to survive for a relatively long time.
Symptoms
Scarlet fever manifests itself with typical skin reactions; more specifically, it reveals itself with the appearance of a scarlet red punctiform rash (hence the name of the disease), caused by the spread of bacterial toxins in the bloodstream.
Other typical symptoms of scarlet fever are fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and sore throat, resulting in difficulty swallowing. In addition, the tonsils and tongue may become covered with a white film in patients with scarlet fever. Subsequently, the tongue may become red and wrinkled due to peeling (this condition is called "red strawberry tongue").
Furthermore, scarlet fever can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, endocarditis, septicemia, encephalitis, osteomyelitis and meningitis. Fortunately, these complications are quite rare nowadays.
The information on Scarlet Fever - Drugs for the Treatment of Scarlet Fever is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Scarlet Fever - Drugs for the Treatment of Scarlet Fever.
Medicines
Being a "bacterial infection, the drugs used to treat scarlet fever are obviously antibiotics to which streptococci are sensitive.
As for prevention, there are currently no vaccines available for the prophylaxis of this disease. Therefore, the only way to prevent the infection from contracting is to avoid - as far as possible - contact with infected individuals.
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The following are the drugs most used in the therapy against scarlet fever and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
Antibiotics
Penicillins: Penicillins are the first choice antibiotics used for the treatment of scarlet fever. Among the most used active ingredients, we remember:
- Amoxicillin (Augmentin ®, Zimox ®, Amox ®, Clavulin ®, Velamox ®): the dose of drug usually used in children is 20-30 mg / kg of body weight per day. Generally, the treatment lasts for 10 days. In any case, the exact dosage of the drug must be established by the physician on an individual basis, according to the severity of the infection and the physio-pathological conditions of the patient.
- Ampicillin (Amplital ®): generally, ampicillin is administered to children in the form of an oral suspension. The dose usually used is 250-500 mg, to be taken orally every six hours. It being understood that also in this case the dose The exact antibiotic must be determined by the physician on an individual basis, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's condition.
Macrolides: Macrolide antibiotics are usually used in scarlet fever therapy in those patients who are allergic to penicillins.
Among the various macrolides that can be used for the treatment of scarlet fever, we remember:
- Erythromycin (Erythrocin ®): for the treatment of scarlet fever, erythromycin is usually administered orally. The dose usually used in children varies according to the age and body weight of the patient and must be established by the doctor; therefore, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by it.
- Clarithromycin (Macladin ®, Klacid ®, Veclam ®): the dose of clarithromycin usually used in children from six months of life to twelve years of age is 7.5 mg / kg of body weight, to be administered orally twice a day. day. Generally, the duration of treatment is 5-10 days. In any case, even in this case it is essential to follow the instructions that will be provided by the doctor.
Cephalosporins: even cephalosporins, in some cases, can be used for the treatment of scarlet fever. However, they are not first choice drugs and it is therefore preferable to undertake penicillin-based therapies or - if treatment with the latter is not possible - based on macrolides.
Other drugs for the treatment of Scarlet fever
Paracetamol (Tachipirina ®, Efferalgan ®, Panadol ®): paracetamol is not actually used for the treatment of scarlet fever, but is used as an antipyretic to reduce the fever that accompanies the disease.
The dose of paracetamol to be administered varies according to the body weight and age of the child. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable pharmaceutical formulation for the patient and will provide information on the amount of drug to be administered.
