Scarlet fever in children is a bacterial disease that is usually seen in children between 5 and 15 years old who have a sore throat. The bacterial cause of sore throat secretes a toxin that causes red bumps on the skin. By using antibiotic treatments, the risk of this disease is reduced. However, if left untreated, scarlet fever may have serious consequences for the heart, kidneys, and other organs. What causes scarlet fever in children? Scarlet fever is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 6 (HHV-6) and herpes simplex type 7 (HHV-7). The main cause of this infection in most cases is the HHV-6 type B virus. This virus belongs to the family of herpes viruses and is very common among people. Read more => Intestinal infection in children The main causes that can lead to the transmission of scarlet fever virus to children are: 1. Vertical gene transfer: Scarlet fever virus can be transmitted from mother to baby. This transfer can be done through general gene transfer and through blood contamination at birth or through breast milk. 2. Horizontal gene transfer: Usually, this virus is transmitted through contact between infected children with lymph cells, breathing and cold sores that may be present in the mouth, nose or eyes. 3. Immune diseases: Diseases such as AIDS and weak immune systems increase the risk of scarlet fever. In general, scarlet fever is more common in children under 2 years of age and is generally spread from person to person through the transmission of the virus. Symptoms of scarlet fever in children Among the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever in children, the following can be mentioned: ### Skin rash One of the common symptoms of scarlet fever is red and wide rashes that look like sunburn and are usually rough. This rash usually starts on the face or neck area and spreads to other parts of the body such as the trunk, arms and legs. When you press on these red spots, their color becomes lighter. ### Red lines on the skin Regarding red lines, skin folds around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees, and neck are generally more red than other areas. ### Having inflamed facial skin The face of children with scarlet fever is usually red and inflamed, and sometimes the skin around the mouth looks pale. ### Having a tongue with skin like a strawberry Also, the tongue of children with this disease is generally red and rough, and raised grains like strawberries can be seen on its surface. The symptoms and signs of scarlet fever include fever above 38 degrees Celsius with chills, severe sore throat and throat inflammation with white or yellow spots on the throat, difficulty in swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and their sensitivity to touch, nausea or vomiting, heart pain, headache and pain in the body. The rash and redness of the face and tongue usually lasts up to a week, and after these symptoms improve, the skin affected by the skin rash usually peels. Types of scarlet fever detection methods in children To diagnose scarlet fever in children, the doctor usually uses the following methods and tests: ### Clinical review By observing visible signs on the child's skin and mucous membrane, the doctor can detect scarlet fever in the child. ### Types of tests To diagnose scarlet fever, the doctor may send a sample of the lumps for a laboratory test so that the child can be visited again. #### Scarlet PCR test For more accurate diagnosis, PCR test can be used on scarlet fever samples to confirm the presence of scarlet fever virus. #### Blood test The doctor may use a blood test to measure the level of antibodies in the child's blood to check the immune status of the body against the scarlet fever virus. The diagnosis of scarlet fever depends on symptoms, test results and clinical investigations. It is better to never act on your own and see a doctor if you see symptoms related to scarlet fever in your child. Prevention of scarlet fever in children To prevent scarlet fever, you should pay attention to the following things. Because there is still no vaccine to prevent this infection: Frequent washing of hands Teach your children to wash their hands carefully. Children in schools and kindergartens are exposed to a variety of viral and bacterial infections, so frequent hand washing can help them get sick less often. ### Having personal eating utensils Your child should not share eating utensils or water glasses with others in the school or daycare environment, as this can lead to the transmission of disease. ### Using a mask If someone has cold symptoms in the kindergarten or school environment, it is better to keep the child away from him or teach the child to use a mask. Complications of scarlet fever in children Among these side effects of scarlet fever, the following substances can be mentioned: - Transfer of bacteria to different organs (including blood, lungs, skin, tonsils, kidneys, middle ear, etc.) - Also, in very rare cases, scarlet fever may cause rheumatic fever that can affect the heart, skin, joints and nervous system.