Scarlatina
What are streptococcal infections?
Strep is short for Streptococcus, a type of bacteria that often lives in your nose and throat. Most strep infections are mild, but some may become serious depending on your overall health.
There are several types of strep. Two of them cause most of the strep infections in people: group A and group B.
How do streptococcal infections spread?There are different ways that streptococcal infections may spread:
- Group A strep can be spread from a person who has the infection, even if they don't feel sick, when:
- They cough or sneeze
- You share a glass or utensil with them
- You touch something with the bacteria on it and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose
- You touch their open wound or sore
- Group B strep can be passed to a newborn through fluids during a vaginal birth
- Group A strep infections are most common in children ages 5 to 15, but adults can get them too. You may be at higher risk if you have a weakened immune system, open sores or wounds, or certain viral infections such as a cold or flu.
- Group B strep is most often a concern for newborns. Adults can also get group B strep infections, especially those 65 or older or who already have other health problems.
Symptoms depend on the type of infection. Most group A strep infections are mild, but some can be serious.
Group A strep may cause:
- Strep throat. A sore, red throat. Your tonsils may be swollen and have white spots on them.
- Scarlet fever. An illness that follows strep throat. It causes a red rash that spreads across the body.
- Impetigo. A skin infection that causes sores or blisters, often around the mouth, nose, or on the arms and legs.
- Cellulitis. A skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain, usually on the legs.
- Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease). A rare but serious infection that spreads quickly through the skin and tissue.
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. A rare but life-threatening illness where the bacteria release toxins that can cause organ failure.
Group B strep may cause:
- Blood infections, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns
- Urinary tract infections, blood infections, skin infections, and pneumonia in adults
Group A strep. How strep is diagnosed depends on the type of infection. Your healthcare provider will usually diagnose strep throat with a rapid test or a throat culture. Other strep infections may require a physical exam, lab tests, imaging, or in some cases, surgery.
Group B strep. If you are pregnant, your provider will typically screen you for group B strep around 36 to 37 weeks.
What are the treatments for streptococcal infections?Your treatment will depend on the type of infection:
- Group A strep infections often go away on their own after about a week. If you need treatment, your provider will likely prescribe antibiotics. More serious (invasive) group A strep infections may require you to receive antibiotics in a hospital. Without treatment, these infections can lead to serious health problems.
- Group B strep infections in pregnant women are treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor to protect the newborn. Adults with group B strep infections are also treated with antibiotics.
You can help prevent some group A strep infections by practicing good hygiene habits, including:
- Avoiding close contact with someone who has an infection
- Washing your hands often with soap and water
- Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
To help prevent group B strep infections in newborns, you should get screened during pregnancy. If you test positive, antibiotics given during labor can protect your baby.
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Scarlatina
ECHINACEA
The dried root of Brauneria angustifolia, Linné (Echinacea angustifolia [DeCandolle], Heller). (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) In rich prairie soils of... / ...sed by spray it is effective to remove stench and to stimulate repair in tonsillitis, the angina of scarlatina, and though not alone capable of curing diphtheria, either by external or internal use, i... / ...cent solution to full strength echinacea or echafolta may be freely used, syringing the channels with it. This gives great relief from pain 1
The dried root of Brauneria angustifolia, Linné (Echinacea angustifolia [DeCandolle], Heller). (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) In rich prairie soils of... / ...sed by spray it is effective to remove stench and to stimulate repair in tonsillitis, the angina of scarlatina, and though not alone capable of curing diphtheria, either by external or internal use, i... / ...cent solution to full strength echinacea or echafolta may be freely used, syringing the channels with it. This gives great relief from pain 1
EUCALYPTUSEUAN12
The leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, Labillardiere. Collected from the older parts of the tree. (Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae.) A native tree of Australia;... / ...ine or the fluidextract for most purposes. Eucalyptus is a stimulating antiseptic for the angina of scarlatina, for which by some it is administered internally. This should be done with great care, ho... / ...Used according to indications as given above, eucalyptus is a very satisfactory and pleasant medicine. It is best given in syrup or glycerin.1
The leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, Labillardiere. Collected from the older parts of the tree. (Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae.) A native tree of Australia;... / ...ine or the fluidextract for most purposes. Eucalyptus is a stimulating antiseptic for the angina of scarlatina, for which by some it is administered internally. This should be done with great care, ho... / ...Used according to indications as given above, eucalyptus is a very satisfactory and pleasant medicine. It is best given in syrup or glycerin.1
MYRICAMYMA2
The bark and wax of Myrica cerifera, Linné (Nat. Ord. Myricaceae). Dry woods and open fields from Canada to Florida. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common... / ...ic medicine, may be applied for the relief of spongy, flabby, and bleeding gums, the sore throat of scarlatina with enfeebled and swollen tissues, and to aphthous and indolent ulcerations. As an injec... / ...grated nut is in frequent domestic use to flavor foods for the sick, and it and the oil in prescription pharmacy to aromatize sleeping mixtures.1
The bark and wax of Myrica cerifera, Linné (Nat. Ord. Myricaceae). Dry woods and open fields from Canada to Florida. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common... / ...ic medicine, may be applied for the relief of spongy, flabby, and bleeding gums, the sore throat of scarlatina with enfeebled and swollen tissues, and to aphthous and indolent ulcerations. As an injec... / ...grated nut is in frequent domestic use to flavor foods for the sick, and it and the oil in prescription pharmacy to aromatize sleeping mixtures.1
SAMBUCUS
The flowers and the fresh inner bark of Sambucus canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Caprifoliaceae). An indigenous shrub growing in low, damp grounds... / ...rming crusts; indolent ulcers, with soft edematous edges; mucous patches with free secretions; post-scarlatinal dropsy; low deposits in or depravation of tissues. Action and Therapy.External. An oin... / ...in doses of two to four fluidounces, will sometimes promptly empty the tissues of dropsical effusion and act slightly upon the bowels.1
The flowers and the fresh inner bark of Sambucus canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Caprifoliaceae). An indigenous shrub growing in low, damp grounds... / ...rming crusts; indolent ulcers, with soft edematous edges; mucous patches with free secretions; post-scarlatinal dropsy; low deposits in or depravation of tissues. Action and Therapy.External. An oin... / ...in doses of two to four fluidounces, will sometimes promptly empty the tissues of dropsical effusion and act slightly upon the bowels.1
SERPENTARIA (Aristolochia serpentaria)ARSE3
The rhizome and roots of (1) Aristolochia serpentaria, Linné, and of Aristolochia reticulata, Nuttall (Nat. Ord. Aristolochiaceae). Eastern half... / ...for serpentaria, in our opinion, is for the severely congested but sluggish and very sore angina of scarlatina. It may be used both as a gargle and internally. As a rule, serpentaria is contraindicate...1
The rhizome and roots of (1) Aristolochia serpentaria, Linné, and of Aristolochia reticulata, Nuttall (Nat. Ord. Aristolochiaceae). Eastern half... / ...for serpentaria, in our opinion, is for the severely congested but sluggish and very sore angina of scarlatina. It may be used both as a gargle and internally. As a rule, serpentaria is contraindicate...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Scarlatina
FROSTWORT
The herb of HELIANTHEMUM CANADENSE, Michx. Bitter tonic, alterative, astringent, in large doses emetic. Used in strumous and syphilitic affiections; the infusion as a gargle in scarlatina.2
The herb of HELIANTHEMUM CANADENSE, Michx. Bitter tonic, alterative, astringent, in large doses emetic. Used in strumous and syphilitic affiections; the infusion as a gargle in scarlatina.2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Scarlatina
SCARLATINA
Some physicians prescribe as a specific remedy sodium salicylate (2 gr. doses every hour), others chloral (2 to 4 grs. every 2 to 4 hours). The usual treatment is by diaphoretic and diuretic refrigerants. potassium citrate with spirit nitrous ether, vichy water or Ze-an, N., B. & Co., with potassium acetate. For the sore throat, cold applica tions externally; gargles of Alkal-Antiseptine, N., B. & Co., or car bolic acid and borax; vapors charged with eucalyptol. For the itch ing, local applicati...2
Some physicians prescribe as a specific remedy sodium salicylate (2 gr. doses every hour), others chloral (2 to 4 grs. every 2 to 4 hours). The usual treatment is by diaphoretic and diuretic refrigerants. potassium citrate with spirit nitrous ether, vichy water or Ze-an, N., B. & Co., with potassium acetate. For the sore throat, cold applica tions externally; gargles of Alkal-Antiseptine, N., B. & Co., or car bolic acid and borax; vapors charged with eucalyptol. For the itch ing, local applicati...2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.