Does getting scarlet fever as a kid lead to any long-term health problems?
I have
been told that some kid
ren suffer from hyperphotosensitivity later in life as a result, is that true?
Answer
Nearly 40 years ago when i was a medical student much time was spent studying diseases like this. the 2 potential problems were heart and kid
ney disease, both caused by the deposition of immune complexes.
soon after i qualified these complications had become rarities, in small part because penicillin is inappropriately given to e
one with a sore throat, but more because of general improvements in health and hygiene.
i only ever say these complications once in the late 70s when i was doing paediatrics. i still see 3-4 scarlet fever cases a year though.