SCARLET FEVER! He's had a fever since Friday, but really no other complaints until this morning he woke up with a rash all over his back and chest and said his throat hurt. Yesterday his hands were peeling, but since he hadn't said his throat hurt up to that point, I didn't think much about it. I know scarlet fever today isn't like it was back in the 1800's when you could die from it, but still ...my poor baby! Sorry, just needed to let it out!!

My dd was diagnosed with it this past Spring. And she was the same way. No real symptoms other than fever & a strange looking & strange feeling rash. I called the doctor's office & they thought I should bring her in. The doctor took one look at her & said she has scarlet fever. I'm thinking, huh??? So, she does the throat culture & I'm thinking, this lady is off her rocker...My dd does not have a sore throat. Well, it was positive & the doctor actually called one of the younger nurses in to show her the rash b/c she said it was "textbook" scarlet fever. Anyway, it was bizarre & I was very thankful that I wasn't living 100 years ago!

Wendy

Poor thing! I never would have known this was out there. I am so glad you posted this but so sorry for your child. Thank God they can take care of her but how scary for you all! How are they treating her and is she OK now?

I have been hearing abot more and more children with Scarlet Fever. A couple of years ago a friend had 2 daughters get it. Then last year a child at church... I too thought it somehow didn't exist anymore.

I hope your family is well soon! No sickness is fun.

I had this as a child in the early 80's and then my dd who was 6 at the time got it also. They did the same thing pulled in all the nurses and interns to see the rash because it was textbook. It's not as dangerous as it use to be, but can be if not treated properly. I hope he feels better soon. My dd was really sick for a while with it and very tired.

Jess

Thanks for the concern! That's the strange thing, he seems to FEEL ok, as long as he has tylenol in his system keeping the fever at bay. Right now he's playing cowboy fight with his little brother! LOL! I also had scarlet fever as a child in first grade. Actually I had it twice that year but I had mono, so I had EVERYTHING that year. The thing I remember about it was just horrid sore throats. REALLY painful. But he only complained about his hurting a little bit, and only for one day. Very strange. :)
Yes, the rash is strange. It feels like sandpaper!

It does feel like sandpaper & what's weird is your dc will actually peel like they've had a sunburn...or at least my dd did! In fact, the peeling lasted for about a month or so. My dd's face was the worst so it peeled the worst. Just take care of your ds & keep that tylenol going!

Wendy

Poor baby! I hope he feels better very soon!

dragonfly