Scarlet Fever - Treatment

Scarlet fever usually clears up on its own within a few days. However, treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin, may be helpful. Antibiotics are substances derived from bacteria or other organisms that fight the growth of other bacteria or organisms. Antibiotics can reduce the severity of the symptoms, prevent complications, and prevent spreading the disease to others.

Penicillin is the drug of choice for treating scarlet fever. It can be injected or swallowed. For people allergic to penicillin, antibiotics such as erythromycin (pronounced ih-rith-ruh-MIS-in) or clindamycin (pronounced klin-duh-MI-sun) can be used as an alternative. As with all medications, the full course of treatment should be completed even if the patient seems well. Stopping a treatment too soon can result in complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

Bed rest is not necessary with scarlet fever, nor is isolation of the patient. Acetaminophen may be given for fever or relief of pain. Aspirin should not be given to children with fever due to the possibility of developing Reye's syndrome (see Reye's syndrome entry).