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
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The Difference Between Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis primarily exhibit symptoms related to the joints. Mainly affected are the symmetrical small joints of both hands, including both wrists, both palmar digital joints, and both proximal interphalangeal joints. In addition, patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have elevated rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and AKA antibodies. During the acute phase of joint disease, there is a marked increase in inflammatory markers, which is a major manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatic fever, aside from joint pain, may also have heart valve disorders, such as mitral stenosis, and some patients may develop skin lesions, commonly erythema nodosum. Most importantly, patients with rheumatic conditions often show a significant increase in anti-streptolysin O.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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How to quickly relieve rheumatic fever pain?

Rheumatic fever pain can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for rapid pain relief. NSAIDs are the first-line medications for treating rheumatic fever pain. Commonly used ones include diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, etoricoxib, meloxicam, or etodolac. These medications may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, so they cannot be used by patients with active peptic ulcers. If there are contraindications to using NSAIDs, pain relief can be achieved with medications such as tramadol or Aconitum alkaloid tablets. If rheumatic fever is accompanied by carditis, treatment with corticosteroids is also necessary. Since the onset of rheumatic fever is related to streptococcal infections, the use of penicillin antibiotics for anti-infection treatment is also recommended.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Can rheumatic fever be contagious?

Rheumatic fever generally is not contagious. Because the onset of rheumatism is somewhat related to infection by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and it is not a contagious disease, it does not spread. Common clinical manifestations of rheumatic fever include fever, erythema marginatum, subcutaneous nodules, joint pain, chorea, and carditis. During the acute phase of rheumatism, it is recommended to rest in bed and avoid overexertion. In terms of medical treatment, because it is related to streptococcal infection, penicillin antibiotics are generally recommended. If there is concurrent carditis, corticosteroids should be used in combination to improve the condition.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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How to test for rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever is a systemic connective tissue disorder occurring one to four weeks after an infection by Group A Streptococcus, primarily affecting the heart and joints, and commonly infects children and adolescents. The usual clinical manifestations include carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, subcutaneous nodules, joint pain, and fever. Common laboratory tests for this disease include: 1. Complete blood count, often showing mild anemia and a slight increase in white blood cell count. 2. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. 3. Elevated C-reactive protein. 4. Antistreptolysin-O antibodies often greater than 500 units. 5. Positive throat swab culture. 6. Echocardiogram, which may show vegetations.

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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.