Streptococcus is a bacterial infection that causes scarlet fever and spreads through contact. It is common in children aged 5-15 and can cause sore throat, rash, and fever. A doctor can diagnose it with a throat culture and prescribe antibiotics. Untreated strep can lead to dangerous infections.
Streptococcus and the occasionally accompanying rash, called scarlet fever, is an infection caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus. It spreads by contact. The disease is generally found in children between the ages of five and 15 and is more common during the fall, likely due to children’s prolonged contact with each other in a school setting. Although children under five and adults are prone to sore throats and rashes, it is much less common in these age groups.
This rash is actually a sign of scarlet fever, a reaction to the Streptococcus bacteria. Strep rash most often occurs under the arms and on the chest. In most cases, the patient will also have a bright red tongue.
The bacteria that cause sore throats and rashes can take two to five days to incubate before causing symptoms in the host. A sore throat and mild fatigue are usually precursors to more serious symptoms that cause much more discomfort, such as a painful sore throat and rash, headache, nausea, and moderate fever.
To diagnose strep throat and the rash, a doctor takes a throat culture by rubbing a cotton swab on the patient’s tonsils and mouth. This is then used in a diagnostic procedure called a rapid strep test where the swab is placed in a specialized container where the test is performed. If the test shows that the patient is positive, they will be prescribed an oral antibiotic or an antibiotic vaccination. Treatment with oral antibiotics tends to last about ten days.
Although symptoms may clear up within the first few days of treatment, patients with sore throat and rash should continue taking the medication as prescribed. It is possible for the bacteria to be present even without visible symptoms. Home remedies such as drinking chamomile tea and gargling salt water can also be used to relieve pain, but should never be used in place of medical treatment.
It is possible for your sore throat and rash to resolve on their own without antibiotic treatment, but it can be dangerous and is not recommended. If left untreated, the remaining bacteria can spread throughout the body, causing various potentially dangerous infections such as sinusitis, rheumatic fever and kidney problems. Anyone who suspects they have strep should see a doctor to schedule a strep test.
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