Scarlatina or Scarlet fever is an illness usually caused by infection arising from certain strains of Strep, or Streptococcus bacteria. It often affects young children and teenagers. The symptoms are readily recognisable.
- a rash starting with red blotches, which spreads, and turns into a fine pinkish-red rash that looks like sunburn, and makes the skin feel rough.
- the rash is often most evident around the ears, neck, chest, elbow, inner thighs and groin.
- swollen neck glands
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- a white coating on the tongue, which peels away leaving the tongue red and swollen
It was once an illness that could cause terrible complications, and death, but declined with the advent of public health measures, and improved living standards. However, it is a condition that has been returning in recent years.
Conventional Medical Treatment for Scarlet Fever
NHS Choices says that although most cases of scarlet fever disappear in about a week without treatment, treatment is recommended as it reduces the length of time someone is contagious, and speeds recovery.
Conventional treatment for Scarlet Fever is by a 10-day course of antibiotics usually penicillin, or erythromycin if the patient is allergic to penicillin. The known and suspected side effects of antibiotic drugs are becoming well known, and their effectiveness is known to be in considerable decline.
Beyond this, self care measures are recommended, including drinking plenty of cool fluids, and eating soft foods (if your throat is painful).
However, it also advices the use of the painkiller, Paracetamol, to bring down a high temperature, and the use of calamine lotion and antihistamine tablets to relieve itching.
The dangers of Paracetamol, and Antibistamine drugs are also well known, and can be avoided by the use of Homeopathy.
The Homeopathic Treatment of Scarlet Fever
Note. Homeopathy does not treat illness or diseases. It treats an individual who has been diagnosed with a particular illness or disease. The distinction is important. Click here to read more about “Illness Diagnosis”.
Homeopathy works by matching the symptoms of illness with the known symptoms of remedies. These short remedy descriptions may guide you to a remedy that can work for you, but consulting with a qualified homeopath will enhance the chances of a good match. When a close match is found the remedy will work successfully, without any side effects, or adverse reactions.
Belladonna is the classic homeopathic remedy for Scarlet Fever, introduced by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century, and should be the first remedy to use, but others have been identified. These remedy descriptions have been taken from the Hpathy website.
Belladonna
The main remedy for scarlet fever. Scarlet fever smooth, red and shiny eruptions, hot dry and red throat, very irritable stomach causing nausea and vomiting. High temperature. It also acts as a preventive.
Ailanthus Gland
Exceeding acrid coryza. When the regular rash does not come out. Malignant fever, fetid odour from mouth and nose, State of stupor from which it is difficult to arouse. Suppression of natural manifestations. Inability to concentrate, loss of memory, stupor, delirium after suppressed scarlet fever.
Rhus Tox
This remedy is indicated when in additions to regular scarlet fever, there is a vesicular eruption. Drowsiness with muttering delirium, Eruptions slow to appear.
Apis Mel
This remedy is only useful when there is oedema with kidney troubles. The skin is mottled, red and white blotches. The face is pale and puffy. Swelling of the throat with sharp stinging pain. Absence of thirst and aggravation from heat should not be over looked.
Lachesis
The blood affection first and the mucus membrane second are prominent. Sloughing ulceration of the throat. Pain in tonsils.
Scarlatinum
This remedy can be used as an intercurrent remedy, and as preventive for scarlet fever.
For the history of the safe and effective treatment of Homeopathy for Scarlet fever, go to the James Lind Library website.
