Herbal & homeopathic remedies for Scarlet Fever (Scarlatina)

Scarlet fever
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - SCARLET FEVER

· General Description · Symptoms · Causes · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Scarlet fever, sometimes called scarlatina, is an illness that brings on a rash covering most of the body, a strawberry-like appearance of the tongue and usually a high fever. The most common source of scarlet fever is one form of a common bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus or "group A strep", the same bacteria that causes strep throat. Therefore, a sore throat and other signs and symptoms of a typical strep throat infection almost always accompany scarlet fever. Infrequent sources of scarlet fever are related bacterial infections affecting other organ systems. Scarlet fever rarely affects people older than 18 and is most common in children 5 to 15 years of age. Although scarlet fever was once considered a serious childhood illness, antibiotic treatments have made it less threatening. It is usually contagious and lasts for a specific length of time whether or not it is treated.  Nonetheless, if left untreated, scarlet fever (like strep throat) can result in more serious conditions that affect the heart, kidneys and other parts of the body.

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Scarlet fever generally has a one-to-four-day incubation period. If your child has scarlet fever, he or she may experience these common signs and symptoms: Red rash that looks like a sunburn and feels like sandpaper Dark red lines (Pastia's lines) in folds of skin around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck A bright strawberry red and bumpy appearance of the tongue, often covered with a white coating early in the disease Flushed (rosy) face with paleness around the mouth Fever of 101ºF (38.3ºC) or higher, often with chills Very sore and red throat, sometimes with white or yellowish patches Difficulty swallowing Enlarged glands in the neck (lymph nodes) that are tender to the touch Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea) and throwing up (vomiting) (usually in severe cases) Headache & body aches Loss of appetite & abdominal pain A general feeling of being unwell The sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes and fever are likely to appear first, while the "scarlet" signs and symptoms of scarlet fever usually appear on the second day of illness. If your child has scarlet fever, the rash and flushing will likely begin on his or her chest and spread to the neck, face, trunk, arms and legs. This rash appears as tiny, red pinpoints and has a rough texture like sandpaper. The rash will blanche (turn white) if you press a glass on it. The rash and the redness in the face and tongue usually last about 2-7 days. After these scarlet fever symptoms have subsided, the skin affected by the rash often peels. If symptoms are not treated, the outer layers of the skin may peel (desquamation) - usually on the hands and feet - for up to six weeks after the original rash has faded. The rash is something to look out for in a child that has chicken pox as this may indicate a secondary infection. If this is the case, seek medical advice immediately as the secondary infection may prolong the first infection or make it more severe.

Diagnosis Your doctor will conduct an exam to determine the cause of your child's sore throat, rash and other symptoms. He or she will: Look at the condition of your child's throat, tonsils and tongue Feel your child's neck to determine if lymph nodes are enlarged Assess the appearance and texture of the rash. The texture of the rash is more important than the appearance in confirming the diagnosis. If your doctor suspects strep as the cause of your child's illness, he or she will also swab the back of your child's throat to collect material that may harbor strep bacteria. Tests for the strep bacterium are important because a number of conditions can cause the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, and these illnesses may require different treatments. If there are no strep bacteria, then some other factor is causing the illness. Your doctor may order laboratory tests including throat culture, rapid antigen test, and rapid DNA test.

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A bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus causes scarlet fever. This is the same bacterial infection that causes strep throat, but the strain of bacteria causing scarlet fever releases toxins that produce the rash, Pastia's lines, flushed face and red tongue. Strep bacteria that cause scarlet fever spread from one person to another by fluids from the mouth and nose. If an infected person coughs or sneezes, the bacteria can become airborne, or the bacteria may be present on things the person touches — a drinking glass or a doorknob. If you're in proximity to an infected person, you may inhale airborne bacteria. If you touch something an infected person has touched and then touch your own nose or mouth, you could pick up the bacteria. The incubation period — the time between becoming infected and having symptoms is short — is usually two to four days. If scarlet fever isn't treated, a person may be contagious for a few weeks even after the illness itself has passed. And someone may carry scarlet fever strep bacteria without being sick. Therefore, it's difficult to know if you've been exposed. Scarlet fever strep bacteria can also contaminate food, especially milk, but this mode of transmission isn't as common.

Treatments and drugs If your child has scarlet fever, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic medication. Examples include: Penicillin, in pill form or by injection Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox) Azithromycin (Zithromax) Clarithromycin (Biaxin) Clindamycin (Cleocin) A cephalosporin (Keflex, Ceclor) Make sure your child completes the full course of prescribed antibiotics as directed by your physician, even when your child is feeling better. Failure to follow the treatment guidelines may not completely eradicate the infection and will increase your child's risk of developing post-strep disorders. If he or she isn't feeling better within 24 to 48 hours after starting the medication, call your doctor. Your child will no longer be contagious after 24 hours on antibiotics and can return to school when he or she is feeling better and no longer has a fever.

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Scarlet fever is a potentially serious medical condition and is therefore not suited to home treatment. Whether allopathic medical treatment is chosen or whether your child is treated by means of natural medicine, treatment should always be supervised and carried out by a trained health care professional. As is the case when fighting off any illness, it is essential to boost the immune system in order to support the body’s own efforts to kill off the infection. A number of herbal and homeopathic remedies can provide great benefit if used alongside allopathic medication to strengthen the body’s natural immune response. These natural ingredients not only help the person affected but can also increase the immunity of others in the vicinity so that they don't catch it either. This becomes imperative when anyone has scarlet fever in the house or neighborhood. Herbal ingredients including Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceous, Inula helenium and Withania somnifera are well known for their antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties as well as their ability to strengthen and assist the immune system to promote faster recovery. It is also important to strengthen the immune system after it is taken a knock from illness and a lengthy course of antibiotics. Other herbs such as Meadowsweet and Yarrow are effective in reducing and controlling fever, a prominent symptom in scarlet fever. With a little help and support from nature, your child will be bouncing about as usual in no time at all! For adults Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato): Hypoxis contains phytosterols and sterolins, which help to modulate the effect of the immune system. Research has shown the beneficial effect of plant sterols and sterolins on the immune system. Research done on a group of volunteers demonstrated a significant increase in the number of T-cells, which are involved in enhancing immunity. Viscum album (European mistletoe): This herb acts as a natural diuretic, and vasodilator, supporting the natural strength of capillary walls and the body’s natural ability to encourage repair of damaged cells. Schizandra sinesis: This herb is a powerful native ingredient from China. Schizandra is also used to assist the body in its capacity to regulate and maintain healthy energy levels and to routinely protect against toxins and cell damage. It is effective in helping the body to perform its natural function of regeneration of damaged liver tissue, while promoting improved overall regulation of physiological processes. For children Echinacea purpurea (American coneflower) is a Native American herb that has become famous for its tonic effect on the immune system. Many studies have been conducted with regards to this herb and its benefits to the immune system. Astragalus membranaceous (Chinese name, 'Huang qi') is a potent yet child-safe Chinese remedy that has a variety of benefits as an immune-supportive and rejuvenating tonic. Studies have shown Astragalus to maintain immune responses effectively. Withania somnifera (Winter cherry) has been an important herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems for over 3000 years, and is also called 'Indian ginseng'. It is one of the most important Ayurvedic tonic herbs, recommended for supporting growth, energy, and stamina. Regular use can also help to support blood nourishment, and it has been shown to have a tonic effect on the immune system. For your child’s fever Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) is a tonic herb used for centuries by the Cherokee people and many other users of natural medicine throughout the world. Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) has a long history of herbal use and was highly prized by ancient Druids for its therapeutic properties. Meadowsweet is gentle on the stomach because it contains natural buffering agents. For everyone’s sore throat relief Gelsemium (6C) is well-known for its ability to soothe and pacify throat tissue. As it has a calming and soothing effect, it is also a great help when addressing seasonal irritants and environmental pollutants in the air. Recently, Gelsemium has been investigated for its ability to assist with influenza-related lethargy, aches, pains and general flu maladies. Belladonna (30C) was first used cosmetically. Recently, a small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 60 adults and children found positive results with a cough syrup containing Belladonna as a treatment for a dry cough in the throat. Gallium Aperine (Cleavers) is an excellent cleansing and lymphatic tonic, and is particularly beneficial in promoting and supporting the health of all the lymph glands, including the tonsils. This herb grows wild in many parts of the world, and is traditionally used as a natural means to flush out the system through its cleansing properties. This herb is beneficial in supporting the body in routine toxin removal.

Children who suffer from malnutrition have weakened immune systems and are more likely to acquire exanthemous infections and to experience more severe illness from them. Malnutrition contributes to half of all childhood deaths from infectious diseases worldwide. Provide adequate fluids. Give your child plenty of water to keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Offer lozenges. Children older than age 4 can suck on lozenges to relieve a sore throat. Provide comforting foods. Warm liquids such as soup and cold treats like popsicles can soothe a sore throat. Milkshakes help to ease the pain of the sore throat. Eating may be painful for a child with scarlet fever, so provide soft enticing foods or offer a liquid diet. Try including nutritious warm soups or cold popsicles or ice-cream to ease the sore throat. Offer these to your child often, especially when he/she has a fever since the body needs a lot of fluid when it is sick with a fever. Zinc is another mineral antioxidant nutrient that the immune system requires. Zinc deficiency results in lowered immune defenses, and zinc supplementation increases immune activity in people with certain illnesses. Higher doses of zinc can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor before giving zinc supplements to your child or taking it yourself.  Foods rich in zinc are meat & offal, eggs, milk, oysters, lentils, wheat germ, nuts, crab, chicken. Vitamin C has been demonstrated in test tube, animal, and human studies to have immune-enhancing and direct antiviral properties. Vitamin C is richly found in citrus fruits, blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli, potatoes), red capsicums and chillies, strawberry, kiwifruit and rockmelon.

Prevention The best prevention strategies for scarlet fever are the same as the standard precautions against infections. Teach your child to practice the following healthy habits: Wash your hands - Your child should learn to wash his or her hands thoroughly with warm soapy water. Don't share dining utensils - He or she shouldn't share drinking glasses or eating utensils with friends or classmates. Cover your mouth and nose - Your child should learn to cover his or her mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to prevent the potential spread of bacteria.

Lifestyle and home remedies You can take a number of steps to reduce your child's discomfort and pain. Treat fever and pain - Consult your doctor about using ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to control the fever and minimize throat pain. You may also put a lukewarm cloth on your child's forehead to cool the fever if he or she doesn't have chills. Prepare a saltwater gargle - If your child is able to gargle water, give him or her salty water to gargle and then spit out. This may ease the throat pain. Humidify the air - Use a cool-air humidifier to eliminate dry air that may further irritate a sore throat. Avoid irritants - Keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat. Use a warm moist towel over your child’s neck to soothe swollen glands. A cool-mist humidifier will also help sooth a sore throat as it moistens the air and prevents drying out of the throat. If you notice your child scratching the rash, make sure you trim nails short to prevent injury. Try applying calamine lotion or another soothing lotion to the rash if it is uncomfortable. Keep your child isolated from other young family members and friends when contagious. Lastly, make sure your child gets plenty of rest and sleep to help the body recover and fight off the infection.

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