Scarlet Fever Medical Condition Diagnosis Essay

Diagnosis: Scarlet Fever

On the basis of the symptoms presented, the patient is likely to be suffering from scarlet fever. The patient’s presenting symptoms are inclusive of a strawberry tongue, mild fever (102 F), conjunctivitis, and an erythematous masculopapular rash. These symptoms are synonymous with those of scarlet fever. Some of the most common symptoms of scarlet fever include, but they are not limited to; strawberry tongue, a flushed face, headache, vomiting and nausea, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever (Habif, 2009). It is also important to note that as McKinnon and Howard (2000) observe, “scarlet fever provides the classic example of an erythematous rash with subsequent desquamation” (806).

Scarlet fever, as Habif (2009) points out, is caused by a streptococcal, erythrogenic toxin. As the author further notes, the infection is rather common in kids aged between 1 and 10 years – specifically those who do not have immunity to the said toxin. To confirm the primary diagnosis, it would be necessary to conduct an assessment of the child’s throat via the examination of not only their tongue, but also their tonsils and throat. In addition to determining whether there is enlargement of the 10-year-old’s lymph nodes, there would also be need to evaluate the texture as well as appearance of the child’s rash. A throat sab would come in handy if strep is suspected. The differential diagnosis in this case would be measles and rubella.

If scarlet fever is confirmed, antibiotics ought to be prescribed. Pain and fever could in case be treated with an ibuprofen. The child’s parent would also be advised to ensure that the full course of the prescribed medication is completed. This s more so the case given that failure to do so is likely to result in partial infection elimination – which could result in the development of complications later on. The relevance of ensuring that the child drinks plenty of fluids is also key to avert dehydration. Throat discomfort could also be eased by gargling salt water.

References

Habif, T.B. (2009). Clinical Dermatology (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

McKinnon, H.D. & Howard, T. (2000). Evaluating the Febrile Patient with a Rash. Am Fam Physician, 62(4), 804-816.