What are the early symptoms of scarlet fever in adults?
Sep 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, early symptoms of scarlet fever in adults include loss of appetite, headache, sore and swollen throat, rash, and fever. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Loss of appetite may occur in patients with scarlet fever; this symptom is caused by gastrointestinal inflammatory responses and subsequent gastrointestinal dysfunction following infection with group A β-hemolytic streptococcus.
In general, early symptoms of scarlet fever in adults include loss of appetite, headache, sore and swollen throat, rash, and fever. Patients are advised to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Loss of appetite
Patients with scarlet fever may experience a decreased appetite. This symptom arises from gastrointestinal inflammatory reactions caused by infection with group A β-hemolytic streptococcus, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction. During treatment, patients should maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods to prevent worsening of the condition.
2. Headache
Scarlet fever is an acute exanthematous infectious disease caused by hemolytic streptococcus. The infection triggers systemic inflammatory responses, which can lead to headaches. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime capsules for treatment.
3. Sore and swollen throat
Patients with scarlet fever typically develop acute respiratory symptoms, including sore and swollen throat in the early stages. In more severe cases, pus formation may also occur. It is recommended that patients take antibiotics such as roxithromycin tablets or cefuroxime axetil tablets as prescribed to achieve antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, effectively relieving throat discomfort.
4. Rash
Rash is another common symptom of scarlet fever and represents its most typical manifestation. Rashes usually appear on the skin of the neck and chest. As the disease progresses, the rash may become increasingly severe. As directed by a physician, patients may use calamine lotion or loratadine tablets to effectively alleviate rashes caused by scarlet fever.
5. Fever
Fever is a common early sign of scarlet fever in adults. Since scarlet fever is caused by bacterial infection, when bacteria invade the body, the immune system responds, resulting in fever. High fever is typical, often reaching temperatures above 39°C. Under medical guidance, patients may take antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets to reduce body temperature to normal levels.
If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
