Scarlet Fever

A highly infectious bacterial streptococcal infection which causes a very sore throat together with a light pink or red rash of fine raised spots. It most commonly affects children but can occur in any age group. It is a notifiable disease in the UK (i.e. you should report it to your doctor). A mild dose of scarlet fever is called SCARLATINA.

Symptoms

A very sore throat. Young children may also complain of tummy ache, as the lymph glands swell in the abdomen. This is a normal response when the body's immune system is fighting an infection.
Raised temperature. Your child will probably not feel like eating.
Rash feels like scratchy sandpaper.
Headache; sometimes with vomiting.

A bright red (scarlet) rash appears in the groin and behind the knees; then spreads to trunk and extremities. It can look like sunburn.
Swollen red "strawberry" tongue.
Cheeks are flushed (scarlet red).
The incubation period is 2-4 days.
After about 7 days, the skin peels or flakes.

Complications

Complications are uncommon but may include tonsillitis or throat abcess; rheumatic fever or kidney damage due to immune reactions in the heart, joints and kidneys following infection with streptococcus bacteria.
Conventional treatment prescribes penicillin for 10 days; however, the illness can also be treated with homeopathic remedies. Always seek professional homeopathic advice if you are unsure or wish to avoid antibiotics.
A throat swab is needed to confirm diagnosis.

General advice: gargle with HyperCal^® tincture (3-4 drops in warm water); take extra vitamin C to boost immune system; take warm drinks - lemon and honey may help. Also helpful are bee propolis, echinacea and zinc. Lower the temperature by removing clothes and sponging the body with tepid water. Ensure your child has enough to drink. Don't worry about giving food during the acute stage.

Homeopathic Remedies

Belladonna 30c/200c

Belladonna can be used to strengthen the immune system after contact with scarlet fever: take one dose of Belladonna 30c daily for 7 days.
Also use this remedy if there is a right-sided sore throat.
High fever; face red and hot, radiates heat. There may be delirium with the fever.
Burning, throbbing pains in throat.
Cold hands and feet.
Symptoms sudden and intense.

Apis 30c/200c

Belladonna and Apis are the main remedies for scarlet fever: use in 30c or 200c potency and repeat as frequently as needed.
Use Apis if the right side of the throat is more affected and the tonsils and uvula are swollen.
Face or eyes may also look puffy.
Stinging pains on swallowing; throat feels worse for hot drinks.
No thirst.

Sulphur 30c

If you have been using Belladonna or Apis to relieve symptoms and the temperature remains high, give one dose of Sulphur 30c and then return to the original remedy.
You may need to give up to 3 doses of Sulphur alternating with Belladonna or Apis or Lachesis (if symptoms are left-sided).

Lachesis 30c

Lachesis can be used if the throat pain is left-sided and the neck and tonsil area is very sensitive to touch.
Take every 3-4 hours or as needed.
The throat may also feel constricted. The throat will feel more painful when swallowing saliva than when eating food.

Mercury 30c

Take every 3-4 hours for up to 6 doses towards the end of the illness if there is excessive saliva, smelly breath, the tongue feels swollen, or there are mouth ulcers or ulcers on the tonsils.
Person may also be hot one minute, cold the next; or very sweaty.

Australian Bush Flower Essences

Bush Fuchsia, Bush Iris, Flannel Flower, Mulla Mulla.

The remedies and flower essences mentioned above can be obtained from Helios Pharmacy, Ainsworth's Pharmacy or your local professional homeopath.