Scarlatina and frequency therapy

**Encyclopaedia entry: Scarlet fever (Scarlatina)** **Definition:** Scarlet fever, also known as Scarlatina, is an acute infectious disease caused by the ** (Group A streptococcus). It is characterised by a , fever and a characteristic red rash. **Causes:** Scarlet fever is caused by toxins produced by the streptococcus . These are also responsible for other illnesses such as sore throats and skin infections. **Transmission:** - **Droplet infection:** Through coughing, sneezing or direct contact with an infected person. - **Contact infection:** Rarely through touching contaminated objects or surfaces. **Symptoms:** The symptoms of scarlet fever usually appear 1 to 4 days after infection and include: - Sudden high fever - and difficulty swallowing - Headache - Nausea and vomiting - A fine-spotted, red rash that often spreads to the chest and abdomen and is rough to the touch (like sandpaper) - Strawberry tongue: The tongue is initially coated white and then turns raspberry red - Swollen lymph nodes in the neck **Diagnosis:** Diagnosis is made by physical examination and medical history. A throat swab may be performed to detect the presence of streptococci. **Treatment:** - **Antibiotics:** Penicillin or amoxicillin are the drugs of choice for the treatment of scarlet fever. Alternative antibiotics such as erythromycin can be used if you are allergic to penicillin. - **Symptomatic treatment:** Painkillers and antipyretics to relieve symptoms. **Prevention:** - Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected people. - Infected people should stay at home Infected persons should stay at home until they have been treated with antibiotics for at least 24 hours and no longer show symptoms. **What you need to know:** - Scarlet fever is most common in children aged 5 to 15 years. - If left untreated, scarlet fever can cause serious illness If left untreated, scarlet fever can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever or inflammation. **Research:** Research on scarlet fever focuses on developing vaccines against streptococci, improving diagnostic methods and understanding the mechanisms that can lead to complications.