How long will it take for rheumatic fever rash to heal?

Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

Updated on September 18, 2024

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Rheumatic fever rash generally improves after seven to ten days of treatment, but this is contingent upon completing a full course of antibiotics. This is because the rash is induced by a streptococcal infection. Therefore, to control the infection by streptococcus, the rash will begin to improve. Moreover, if the rash does not subside over time, it may also be considered to strengthen anti-inflammatory treatment with glucocorticoids and anti-allergy treatments to reduce the rash. Additionally, medications like loratadine dispersible tablets and compound glycyrrhizin can be added to help reduce the occurrence of rheumatic fever rash and accelerate its resolution.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

52sec

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Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever

Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever in the early stages may include fever and sore throat, similar to streptococcal infections. Later, patients may experience joint pain, some may develop ring-shaped erythema on the skin, and others may develop subcutaneous nodules. Severe cases may even exhibit symptoms such as carditis and chorea. If a previous rheumatic fever patient shows these symptoms, the possibility of recurrence should be considered. Treatment involves using antibiotics to eliminate streptococcal infections. Additionally, anti-inflammatory pain relievers should be used to manage joint pain. In severe cases, such as those with cardiac inflammation, corticosteroids may also be considered. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

59sec

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Treatment of acute rheumatic fever

The treatment of rheumatic fever includes general treatment, where patients are advised to rest in bed. The second is the use of antibiotics, aimed at eliminating streptococcal infections to prevent recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever. The third is anti-rheumatic treatment, with the preferred choice being non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. If the patient's rheumatic fever affects the heart, corticosteroid treatment is also required. In addition, to assist in the reduction of corticosteroids, some immunosuppressants need to be added, such as methotrexate and leflunomide, which help control the condition. For the treatment of complications of rheumatic disease, such as concurrent lung infection, antibiotic treatment should also be considered. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

42sec

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Can people with rheumatic fever eat fish?

Patients with rheumatic fever can eat freshwater fish, but should try to eat less fish without scales and sea fish. For patients with rheumatic fever, the general dietary rule is to eat a light diet and reduce consumption of spicy, warming, oily, and rich foods. Foods such as celery, coriander, leeks, seaweed, mushrooms, beef, mutton, dog meat, and longan should be minimized. Seafood, such as shrimp and crab, which are high in protein, should also be consumed less. In addition to dietary considerations, patients with rheumatic fever should also avoid getting cold and pay attention to rest.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

1min 2sec

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Difference between Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatoid Arthritis

The key difference between rheumatic fever and rheumatoid arthritis primarily lies in the fact that patients with rheumatic fever, besides exhibiting symptoms such as joint pain, also develop cardiac and dermatological manifestations. Patients with rheumatic fever may experience mitral stenosis and symptoms like erythema on the skin. Moreover, the examination of antibodies in rheumatic fever patients mainly shows an elevation in anti-streptolysin O antibody. In contrast, patients with rheumatoid arthritis typically display elevated rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and anti-AKA antibodies, and they seldom have skin or cardiac manifestations. Therefore, to differentiate rheumatic fever from rheumatoid arthritis, one can test for anti-streptolysin O and rheumatoid factor, and further conduct an echocardiogram to determine any cardiac involvement.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

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What foods should not be eaten with rheumatic fever?

Patients with rheumatoid fever should avoid the following three major categories of foods: The first category is vegetables, such as celery, coriander, leeks, seaweed, and mushrooms, which should be consumed in moderation. The second category includes meats like lamb, beef, and dog meat, which are very warming and nourishing and should be reduced in consumption. The third category includes seafood such as shrimp, crab, and sea cucumber, which are high in protein and should also be avoided. For patients with rheumatism, the general dietary principle is to follow a light diet, avoid spicy and dry-heat foods, and reduce greasy foods. For patients with rheumatic fever, it is particularly important during the acute phase to rest and avoid catching colds and infections.