Scarlet fever - Nature Cures®

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Scarlet fever (sometimes called scarlatina) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, which is commonly found on the skin or in the throat, where it can live without causing problems. However, under some circumstances, they can also cause diseases like scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is usually a complication following infection by a particular group of strep bacteria that cause strep throat.

Avoiding scarlet fever

It is mainly a childhood disease and is most common between the ages of two and eight years but can infect children up to the age of 15. It is rarely seen in adults. It is usually spread by coughing, sneezing or breathing out. Scarlet fever can also be caught through direct contact with the mucus or saliva of an infected person, meaning it can live on eating utensils or surfaces such as tables.

It is important to keep children at home when they have this highly contagious infection and teach them to hold a hand over their mouth when sneezing and coughing and wash their hands often. Do not let them share drinking glasses, cups, toothbrushes, towels, toys or utensils.

Clean all surfaces that the child can touch in the home often (including toilet flush levers, light switches, door handles and banisters etc) and change their toothbrush when they have recovered.

Symptoms of scarlet fever

The first symptoms that appear are usually a sore throat, cough and nasal congestion followed by a fine, red, raised, sandpapery rash. Along with a sore throat, there is often a bright red tongue with white patches on the tongue and tonsils.

The rash typically starts on the face, and then rapidly spreads to the chest, trunk and extremities. It does not include the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The rash is often worse in skin folds around the groin, arms and legs. This rash usually lasts about a week, and skin can slough off as the redness fades. Symptoms take around two to five days to develop after infection.

Other symptoms of scarlet fever

Sore throat
Cough and nasal congestion
High temperature and fever
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
White coating on the tongue
Swollen glands in the neck (enlarged and tender lymph nodes)
Feeling tired and unwell
Flushed face, but pale around the mouth
Peeling skin on the fingertips, toes and groin area as the rash fades

Natural remedies for scarlet fever

Passion fruit contains components which have the ability to relieve sore throat and hoarseness.

A sore throat can be soothed with ice lollies made with fresh fruit juice and the teas of herbs listed here which is especially good for children.

Chilli peppers, garlic, ginger, onions and radishes are especially good dietary additions since they have antibiotic and antiviral properties.

Pineapple juice can rehydrate the body during a fever.

Make a tea by steeping the following herbs in hot water for ten minutes then strain and allow to cool. Gargle with the liquid four times a day.

Anti-inflammatory gargle

Echinacea, sage and marigold are soothing and anti-inflammatory herbs.

Antimicrobial gargle

Echinacea, goldenseal and myrrh are antibacterial and immune-stimulating herbs.

Pain relief gargle

Propolis, peppermint and ginger are antimicrobial and anodyne herbs.

Astragalus is a Chinese herb which has a long history of treating bacterial infections by boosting the immune system and is particularly effective against the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It can be obtained in tincture or capsule form and is safe for children at half the adult dose stipulated.

Natural, antibiotics that work against Streptococcus pyogenes

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata)
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifoli)
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
Golden rod (Solidago)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera pericylmenum, Lonicera japonica)
Mucura (Petiveria alliacea)
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Mullaca (Physalis angulate)
Perilla leaves (Perilla frutescens)
Poke root (Phytolacca americana, Phytolacca decandra)
Usnea (Usnea lapponica)

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