Another reason kids are expensive

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Another reason kids are expensive
2
Sat, 12-05-2009 - 1:46pm

I've got a kid with scarlet fever here today. He came home from school yesterday and he just looked awful. His skin was sallow and his face looked a little weird although I couldn't figure out just why. Then I noticed a small rash all over his entire body. I contemplated going to the ER but then I did some research and the internet said that most rashes although they look serious, aren't serious. I called the on-call nurse and she said to give him benadryl because at that point he was itching all over. He had a slight fever. I decided to let it rest a night because I wasn't looking forward to a 150 dollar copay at the ER. This morning he woke up with a swollen face and I was in a panic. Was it an allergic reaction? Was he going to stop breathing on me? I called his doctor this time even though I was still wanting to go to the ER. She told me to come on in and it took about an hour and a half but we made it, payed the 20 dollar copy and sure enough, it's scarlet fever. HIs face is bright red and his eyes are so swollen, he looks asian. All in all, it cost me about 35 dollars (20 dollar copay, 8 dollar antibiotics, 5 dollar skin lotion and then the gas it took me to get to my doctors office which is way too far away), but that's a lot better than an ER visit. There is a chance my other kids will come down with it, but I don't have to go back in, they'll just call in a prescription for me.

The joys of parenthood!
Here's a pic of his swollen, red face
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n76/AbigailVelez/P1011989.jpg

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Sat, 12-05-2009 - 7:24pm
Poor guy, hope he feels better soon! And, I hope the other kids can avoid coming down with it...

 


Terri

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2005
Sun, 12-06-2009 - 11:19am

It's a good thing you did take him in for treatment. I'm sure they explained to you that scarlet fever (also known as scarletina) is caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria -- the same bacteria that causes strep throat. The problem with leaving it untreated is that this bacteria can cause heart damage (rheumatic fever). With antibiotic treatment, this won't happen.
The rash he has usually has a sandpapery feel and often causes peeling of the skin of the fingers, toes and groin area.
There is a good chance your other kids are infected with the Strep A bacteria -- your son had the bacteria for awhile before he developed scarlet fever. You may actually want to take them in for throat cultures just to make sure.
I'd try to keep him somewhat separate from your other kids for now, since it will take awhile for the antibiotic to make him non-contagious.

Megan




Edited 12/6/2009 11:30 am ET by looking4info2005