Post scarlet fever

[AnxieteaAndBiscuits]

My ds (7) is 4 weeks post scarlet fever. He was unwell for 2 days with upset tummy and temperature. On the third day the rash came and he was prescribed antibiotics that same day.
I've been constantly looking out for signs of rheumatic fever. He's had a couple of days of complaing of the odd ache and pain (knee, knuckle etc) but nothing that's caused major concern or lasted for long. Today he started with a sore throat and he looks really pale.
Should I be concerned? Do I need to contact the GP? What is the liklihood that it's rheumatic fever this many weeks on?

I'm constantly on edge. Any help would be appreciated

Ds was unwell again about two months after sf, towards the end of term. He had blood tests but nothing untoward, just a virus while he was tired and his system was vulnerable,

Thanks for the reply @LIZS. Were you concerned about rheumatic fever? Did you get him checked straight away?

No noone mentioned rheumatic fever.

Keep an eye on him but it's likely he has just picked up something viral , there's so much around this time of year . Although, I've heard of children getting scarlet fever twice so keep an eye out for the same symptoms.

My DD had Scarlet fever in March. She had a few aches and pains a few weeks later which went away after a day or so. I asked the GP about Rheumatic fever and was advised it is incredibly rare with initial antibiotic treatment for strep A. I was also advised the symptoms would be very pronounced like jerky movements and the inability to get up without help. It's probably a seasonal virus but I understand your worry. I still check my daughter for rashes at the sign of a sore throat as I felt mentally scarred from her scarlet fever. Hope your son feels better soon x

@Mairzydotes that's what my logical brain keeps telling me. But I often have this little "what if...." voice.

@Ansy38 I've read it's rare but it's always a worry. SF was horrible and I've been on edge ever since. I'm worried about a sore throat - I don't even onow if that's a symptom 🙄 He's got a low grade fever of 37.8 - so I'll see how he is overnight.

Check the NHS website for info about rheumatic fever: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatic-fever/

A sore throat is not a symptom listed but it may indicate an infection that might later cause rheumatic fever (obviously scarlet fever is one such infection).

If you are worried, go and see your GP (easier said than done). But it's unlikely that he has rheumatic fever.

Thanks @Permanentlyexhausted I'm not sure why I didn't check the NHS website. Think things are just getting on top of me now.
He's fine in himself. Just a mild temp and the sore throat. I'll see how he is in the morning x

My DD has had scarlet fever 6
times and no one has ever mentioned
to look out for symptoms of rheumatic fever. I think it’s only a risk if you don’t get antibiotics for the Scarlet fever? (Hence why so many people had rheumatic fever 100 years ago before the antibiotic was developed for it)

Did they treat the initial infection with two weeks of antibiotics? I remember when my DD was little they only did one week and it's supposed to be two. She became poorly again and had to have further treatment.

@Tangofantastic no one told me either.... just doctor Google when I first suspected scarlet fever. I know it's rare but you just never know.

@rainydogday yes, he completed the full course - 4 times a day for 10 days.

He's woke up this morning feeling poorly but also says his knees are hurting when he walks. I'll contact the gp this morning and see what they suggest.

Took my ds to see the gp this morning. His symptoms were a high temperature of 38.5, sore throat, aching knees. The gp said he wasn't overly concerned about rheumatic fever but prescribed phenoxymethylpenicillin again for 10 days and will refer him for blood tests to rule out rf....
Since he's started the antibiotics he's come out in a rash similar to sf. The tops of his thighs are bright red and he has a rash on his torso - not sandpapery yet. His temp has come down to 37.6 and he's eaten well and is really lively.

Is it possible to have SF 4 weeks after the first time??

My DD had it 6
weeks after last bout so yes it’s possible but unlikely, her gp couldn’t believe it. More likely to be a reaction to the antibiotic I’d say or a viral rash. Sandpaper texture is main feature of the SF rash- It is unlike any other rash and horribly itchy so if he seems well and it doesn’t feel rough or itchy and he’s on antibiotics as
a
caution I’d say it’s highly unlikely xx

He's not allergic to penicillin is he? That would cause a different type of rash from scarlet fever. A few of the kids at school had it twice about a month apart. The infection either lingered or they kept passing to each other.

@Tangofantastic it looks like the start of sf.

@Mairzydotes not allergic penicillin. Its the exact same medicine he had when he was diagnosed with sf.

I'm feeling really guilty as it seemed to clear up and go. I hope it's just a viral rash - I'll keep an eye on him and continue with the antibiotics.

I'm such a worrier. I can't remember the last christmas we had when we were all well x