Antibiotics, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, are essential.
Over-the-counter (OTC) options like throat sprays and pain relievers may also help you deal with discomfort.
Stopping a course of antibiotics early can increase the risk of further complications from any bacterial infection.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
The other, post-streptococcalglomerulonephritis(PSGN), also is an inflammatory illness, which affects the kidneys.
Keep the fingernails of young children short to avoid scratching and clean to avoid damaging skin.
Do not give aspirin or any OTC product that contains aspirin to a child under the age of 19.
Children should be supervised when using the product.
Examples include cortisone anti-itch creams or calamine lotion.
It’s also important to give the body time to rest and recuperate.
Summary
Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics to kill group A streptococcus bacteria.
These antibiotics may include cephalexin, cefadroxil, clindamycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin.
Home remedies and OTC medications are not a substitute for antibiotics.
However, they can help relieve symptoms while you’re finishing your prescription medication.
For an itchy rash, try an oatmeal bath or OTC cortisone or calamine lotion.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About scarlet fever.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical guidance for scarlet fever.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Choking prevention.
Stanford Medicine.Reye syndrome in children.
Cedars Sinai.Scarlet fever in children.
