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Children's health

Does this sound like Scarlet Fever?

15 replies

FuckOffJeffrey · 22/03/2016 09:35

I have a DR appointment for DD this afternoon and I think she has Scarlet Fever.

Sunday - vomiting all day, no appetite and high temperature (burning hot). Thought it was a classic tummy bug.

Monday - Morning - Tongue turned white, red spots on pallet and white spots on back of throat and tonsils.
Just before bed bumpy red rash starting on inner arm and back of ears. Faint red rash (non bumpy) stating at top of legs and across bottom of belly. Running high temp all day but not as high as Sunday. No appetite all day but managed to eat some mini milk ice lollies.

Tuesday (so far) - some of white coating has came off tongue and bottom of tongue has red spots giving it the strawberry look. Red non bumpy rash has spread across top of chest. Rash on arms and top legs bumpy but not so red. Still got temperature and no appetite.

DH thinks I've been on google too much and it's just a bug. I think given it's rife at the moment there's a pretty good chance it's scarlet fever.

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CatThiefKeith · 22/03/2016 09:37

Sounds like it. Dd's best friend has just gone down with it in Kent and her cousin in Bedfordshire has it too. It's everywhere ATM.

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Fraggleyourock · 22/03/2016 09:37

It does sound like Scarlett fever, I'm afraid... Does the rash feel like sandpaper? Where I live 60 kiddies went down with it from one of the schools last week. Sorry your daughter is unwell!

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clarella · 22/03/2016 09:46

We had it twice Hmm so i feel slightly like an expert Grin.

The patient.co.uk description is very accurate.

Face looks slightly sunburnt.

Rash starts in groin and under arms then spreads. the sand paper effect didn't start till a few days later and he was getting better. his skin didn't peel. the rash is extremely fine and close together.

However - images I've since seen on the internet look different. He didn't seem overly bright red as they are! The second case he had was milder and less obvious so it's possible there are varying reactions and symptoms.

His skin was very itchy and hot. I had it mildly and my chest felt like it was on fire.

Your description of the strawberry tongue is exactly right.

You are right to question it though - it's a notifiable disease and MUST be treated with antibiotics as it can lead to further issues. I didn't mention my chest at the time and mild sore throat which got a billion times worse and lingered horribly for 3 weeks before I cracked and went to gp for antibiotics. The GP was a little dubious as it was 2013 and not as well known about, swabbed and gave antibiotics and it was confirmed later. The second time we all knew what it was!

I think they have to stay away from others/ nursery etc till after 24 or 48 hours of antibiotics. A father at the nursery had it and was also a gp - he said do seek treatment as it was horrible.

Clearly im not a dr but YANBU to go to gp!

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FuckOffJeffrey · 22/03/2016 09:54

I'm 90% sure it is scarlet fever but it's the rash thats making me stall. Parts of the rash do feel sandpaper like but other parts don't. It also hasn't followed the pattern of starting on the trunk and chest.

We're in Scotland and they don't keep the same sort of records England and Wales do so I'm not sure if there has been an outbreak in our area or not.

She was at a soft play birthday party on Saturday but showed no signs of being ill. I hope she hasn't infected all those children - she would have been contagious wouldn't she? I will let the mum who organised the party know if the doctor confirms scarlet fever so she can tell the other parents.

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OccamsRazorSharpner · 22/03/2016 09:58

Oh no is it that time again already!!? Warn your surgery before you go in today so they can quarantine you instead of putting you in the waiting room with everyone else. It is a horrible bug and needs antibiotics and duvet time Flowers

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FuckOffJeffrey · 22/03/2016 10:00

I will notify the school ASAP once I know but the school actually had an small electrical fire overnight and is closed today anyway.

I have been taking pictures of the development (to show the doctor if needs be) I have included one of her arm last night.

Does this sound like Scarlet Fever?
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FuckOffJeffrey · 22/03/2016 10:03

OccamsRazorSharpner

I didn't think of that. We are at a health centre so not sure if there is an area they could put us that isn't the main waiting area. I will call ahead and warn them though.

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FuckOffJeffrey · 22/03/2016 10:37

clarella thank you. Yes rash is hot and itchy. I've just checked underarms and that has a rash too. Groin area is also red.

My throat has been a little sore these past few days - I didn't think it was something adults caught but I will keep an eye on myself too now.

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clarella · 22/03/2016 14:07

As I say the sand paper description wasn't really right till a week later and not hugely noticeable.

It looks similar to ours. But really only a swab definitively confirms it.

The 18 year old daughter of colleague had it at the same time, so yes adults can.

It's effectively strep throat - tonsillitis. The rash is how the body reacts afaik. So I didn't react much, but developed tonsillitis a week later and it didn't shift till I had abs.

Hope you get sorted out Thanks

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clarella · 22/03/2016 14:09

Our rash started groin/ top of legs and bottom of belly, progressing down legs almost to feet and up body.

Second time not as far.

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FuckOffJeffrey · 22/03/2016 18:44

The doctor has confirmed Scarlet fever. Apparently it's not a notifiable disease in Scotland but is in England and Wales.

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PacificDogwod · 22/03/2016 18:46

The bug causing Scarlet Fever has become a lot less virulent in recent decades, so it tends to be much less severe illness nowadays.
I hope she recovers quickly Thanks

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Fraggleyourock · 22/03/2016 21:14

I hope the antibiotics work quickly for your DD! Poor little girl!

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Fraggleyourock · 22/03/2016 21:14

Oh, and I think an "I told you so" to DH is appropriate Grin

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FuckOffJeffrey · 22/03/2016 21:37

I have resisted the 'I told you so' to DH Grin

The doctor was thinking it was strep throat at first because DD doesn't have the classic pink cheeks (it comes and goes) but the strawberry tongue and body rash convinced her it was. She was also impressed with my photos commenting that it was 'a great photo of the pus on her tonsils'

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