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Questions and Answers
Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with the rash of scarlet fever?
Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with the rash of scarlet fever?
What are the main complications associated with untreated scarlet fever?
What are the main complications associated with untreated scarlet fever?
What types of streptococci are primarily responsible for causing scarlet fever?
What types of streptococci are primarily responsible for causing scarlet fever?
What age group is predominantly affected by scarlet fever?
What age group is predominantly affected by scarlet fever?
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Which statement about scarlet fever is accurate regarding its treatment?
Which statement about scarlet fever is accurate regarding its treatment?
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What characteristic feature appears on the tongue of individuals with scarlet fever?
What characteristic feature appears on the tongue of individuals with scarlet fever?
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How is scarlet fever primarily transmitted between individuals?
How is scarlet fever primarily transmitted between individuals?
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What is the typical duration of the redness and rash associated with scarlet fever?
What is the typical duration of the redness and rash associated with scarlet fever?
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Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with scarlet fever but is often overlooked?
Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with scarlet fever but is often overlooked?
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What type of rash is typically observed in scarlet fever?
What type of rash is typically observed in scarlet fever?
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What is the primary symptom of scarlet fever?
What is the primary symptom of scarlet fever?
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Which of the following complications is NOT associated with scarlet fever?
Which of the following complications is NOT associated with scarlet fever?
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Which condition should be included in the differential diagnosis for scarlet fever?
Which condition should be included in the differential diagnosis for scarlet fever?
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What treatment is recommended for individuals with scarlet fever who are not allergic to penicillin?
What treatment is recommended for individuals with scarlet fever who are not allergic to penicillin?
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What type of prevention strategy is recommended for scarlet fever?
What type of prevention strategy is recommended for scarlet fever?
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Which of the following is a common symptom associated with scarlet fever?
Which of the following is a common symptom associated with scarlet fever?
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What is a characteristic sign of the rash associated with scarlet fever?
What is a characteristic sign of the rash associated with scarlet fever?
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Which of these symptoms indicates the presence of enlarged glands associated with scarlet fever?
Which of these symptoms indicates the presence of enlarged glands associated with scarlet fever?
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Which of the following signifies a more severe illness rather than a common infection like scarlet fever?
Which of the following signifies a more severe illness rather than a common infection like scarlet fever?
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In a case scenario, a 9-year-old boy presented with what primary complaint that aligns with scarlet fever?
In a case scenario, a 9-year-old boy presented with what primary complaint that aligns with scarlet fever?
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What serious conditions can arise if scarlet fever is left untreated?
What serious conditions can arise if scarlet fever is left untreated?
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Name two conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis for scarlet fever.
Name two conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis for scarlet fever.
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Describe the appearance and feelings associated with the rash of scarlet fever.
Describe the appearance and feelings associated with the rash of scarlet fever.
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What method primarily facilitates the transmission of scarlet fever?
What method primarily facilitates the transmission of scarlet fever?
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What is the recommended treatment for individuals with scarlet fever who are not allergic to penicillin?
What is the recommended treatment for individuals with scarlet fever who are not allergic to penicillin?
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What is one key prevention strategy against scarlet fever?
What is one key prevention strategy against scarlet fever?
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How can the appearance of a flushed face indicate scarlet fever?
How can the appearance of a flushed face indicate scarlet fever?
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What is a notable sign of 'strawberry tongue' in scarlet fever?
What is a notable sign of 'strawberry tongue' in scarlet fever?
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After the rash resolves, what common dermatological change might be observed?
After the rash resolves, what common dermatological change might be observed?
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What unique feature may appear alongside the rash in the skin folds of a person with scarlet fever?
What unique feature may appear alongside the rash in the skin folds of a person with scarlet fever?
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What is the potential complication of scarlet fever that can lead to kidney disease?
What is the potential complication of scarlet fever that can lead to kidney disease?
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Which viral exanthem should be included in the differential diagnosis for scarlet fever?
Which viral exanthem should be included in the differential diagnosis for scarlet fever?
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What symptom is commonly accompanied by a bright red rash in a patient with scarlet fever?
What symptom is commonly accompanied by a bright red rash in a patient with scarlet fever?
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How is scarlet fever primarily spread between individuals?
How is scarlet fever primarily spread between individuals?
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What antibiotic is commonly recommended for treating scarlet fever in non-allergic individuals?
What antibiotic is commonly recommended for treating scarlet fever in non-allergic individuals?
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Name one serious complication that can arise from untreated scarlet fever affecting the heart.
Name one serious complication that can arise from untreated scarlet fever affecting the heart.
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What sign might indicate infection in the swollen lymph nodes related to scarlet fever?
What sign might indicate infection in the swollen lymph nodes related to scarlet fever?
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Which antibiotic is an alternative choice for scarlet fever treatment in patients allergic to penicillin?
Which antibiotic is an alternative choice for scarlet fever treatment in patients allergic to penicillin?
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List one method to prevent the transmission of scarlet fever.
List one method to prevent the transmission of scarlet fever.
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What symptom of scarlet fever can often lead to difficulty with feeding in young patients?
What symptom of scarlet fever can often lead to difficulty with feeding in young patients?
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Study Notes
Scarlet Fever
- A bacterial illness caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS)
- Most commonly affects children 5 to 15 years of age
- Symptoms include bright red rash, sore throat, high fever, strawberry tongue, and enlarged lymph nodes
- The rash is sandpaper-like and starts on the face or neck, spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs
- Often accompanied by a circumorally pallor (pale ring around the mouth)
- Caused by streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (SPEs) types A, B, and C
- It's spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
- The incubation period is typically 2 to 4 days
- Penicillin or amoxicillin are the first-line treatments for scarlet fever
- Alternative antibiotics are available for those with penicillin allergies
- Complications are rare but can happen if the bacteria spreads
- Common complications include abscesses, swollen lymph nodes, ear infections, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and arthritis
Case Scenario
- A 9-year-old boy was hospitalized on the 5th day of his illness
- Presented with sore throat, rash, malaise, lack of appetite, and fever up to 40 °C
- Diagnosed with acute tonsillitis by a family doctor
- Given acetaminophen but remained febrile for 4 days
- A pin-point rash appeared on the lower extremities and in the inguinal skin folds on the 4th day
- Rash spread all over the body on the 5th day and his fever broke
- Weakness led to hospital admission
Scarlet Fever
-
Causative Agent: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS)
- Produces streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (SPEs) types A, B, and C.
- Found in secretions from nose, ears, throat, and skin.
Clinical Presentation
-
Symptoms:
- Bright red rash:
- Feels like sandpaper.
- Begins on face or neck and spreads to trunk, arms, and legs.
- Turns pale when pressure is applied.
- Red lines:
- Appear in skin folds around groin, armpits, elbows, knees, and neck.
- More intense red than surrounding rash.
- Flushed face:
- Pale ring around mouth (circumorally pallor).
- Strawberry tongue:
- Red and bumpy.
- Often covered with a white coating early in the disease.
- Rash, redness in the face, and tongue last about a week.
- Skin peels after these symptoms subside.
- Other symptoms:
- Fever (101°F/38.3°C or higher) and chills.
- Sore throat, often white or yellowish patches.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Headache.
- Bright red rash:
Risk Factors
- Children aged 5 to 15 years are most susceptible.
- Close contact increases transmission risk (family members, classmates).
Complications
- Rare, but can occur if bacteria spreads to other parts of the body.
- Can include:
- Abscesses around tonsils.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Ear, sinus, and skin infections.
- Pneumonia.
- Rheumatic fever (heart disease).
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney disease).
- Arthritis.
Treatment
- Antibiotics prevent complications:
- Penicillin or amoxicillin recommended for non-allergic individuals.
- Alternative antibiotics for penicillin allergies.
Differential Diagnosis
-
Consider:
- Kawasaki disease.
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS).
- Rubella, rubeola, mononucleosis, fifth disease, acute lupus erythematosus, juvenile arthritis, other viral exanthems.
- Drug reactions.
Prevention
- No vaccine.
- Standard infection prevention measures recommended.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of scarlet fever, a bacterial infection primarily affecting children aged 5 to 15. It covers the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, as well as potential complications associated with the illness. Test your knowledge on this important topic in pediatric health!
