How to Know Scarlet Fever Symptoms

Scarlet fever commonly occurs after someone contracts strep throat. The germs that cause scarlet fever can then be transmitted to others through physical contact and bodily fluids. There are several key symptoms you should know to help diagnose and treat a case of scarlet fever.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for signs of fatigue or exhaustion, as these can be some of the initial symptoms that you've contracted scarlet fever. If you feel the need to spend significant portions of the day sleeping, it may be your body's way of telling you it needs time to recover from scarlet fever.

• 2

  Watch your body's internal temperature constantly. Use a thermometer to check for a fever. Scarlet fever can cause temperatures to soar as high as 104 degrees F.

• 3

  Treat your sore throat with lozenges or cough drops, but know that it might be a sign of a more serious infection.

• 4

  Stay near the toilet or have a bucket on hand, as scarlet fever exposure can cause regular vomiting.

• 5

  Check your heart rate regularly. A rapid heart rate, known as Tachycardia, can be an indication that you're suffering from scarlet fever.

• 6

  Feel the area beneath your jaw for an indication that your lymph nodes are swollen. This condition, known as Lymphadenopathy, is one of the first indications that your body is attempting to fight an infection. While this symptom isn't unique to cases of scarlet fever, it will appear in conjunction with other symptoms.

• 7

  Inspect your body for signs of scarlet fever's characteristic rash. The rash will cause small red bumps on the chest, armpits or behind the ears. The bumps will be textured and will blanch when touched.