How quickly should a child improve after starting antibiotics for Scarlet Fever?

drjoseph

After the first dose of antibiotics, how soon can we expect the fever to break and the child to start feeling better? When should the rash begin to fade? I'm worried about what to expect in the first 48 hours.

dranil

After the first dose of antibiotics, many children start feeling noticeably better within 24 to 48 hours. Fever often begins to drop within the first day, and energy levels usually improve soon after. The rash, however, may continue for a few days and typically begins to fade gradually rather than disappearing immediately. Peeling of the skin on fingertips and toes usually happens later, after the rash starts to resolve. In the first 48 hours, expect improved comfort and reduced fever, but don’t be alarmed if the rash is still visible or peeling hasn’t started yet—this is normal.

drjohn

After starting antibiotics for scarlet fever, the fever usually begins to break within 12 to 24 hours, and the child often starts feeling noticeably better within the first day. Sore throat and body aches also tend to improve quickly. The characteristic red rash, however, may take a couple of days to start fading, and the skin may begin peeling around the fingers and toes as it resolves. During the first 48 hours, improvement in energy and appetite is common, but the rash may still be visible, so continued monitoring and completing the full course of antibiotics is important.