My son (5 yrs old) who has been sick the past couple of days was diagnosed today with scarlet fever. Funny how the name sounds far scarier that what it really boils down to–-strep throat with a rash. Apparently particular strains of strep produce a toxin that causes an allergic reaction, ie. rash, all over the body. And, yes, the rash can itch. Good news is you get rid of the strep, you get rid of the rash too. So the boy is on a good dosage of antibiotics and should be fine within a week. Well, minus the full body skin-peeling that will inevitably follow the healing of the rash. Bad news is it’s rather contagious, so we all (including the grandma who’s been watching him the past couple of days) have to be on the lookout for symptoms until he is better. Extra hand washing and all that. Had to call the school and report it, in case any of his classmates come down with symptoms; felt like a terrible mom for having to do so, though he probably caught it from some other classmate there anyhow. I suppose that back in the old days, before they knew about such things as bacteria, that scarlet fever could easily become something that could kill you (not the rash of course, but the underlying strep infection) and something that could easily have been passed around. So glad medical science has advanced. So glad for health insurance. So glad my mom noticed the rash and decided to call and let me know that I might want to take him in to the doctor before the weekend. So glad we actually found a pediatrician this very week due to a (unrelated) rash that appeared on my daughter’s hands and feet. So glad, as usual, that God is in control. I checked webMD tonight, just for kicks, and found out that yes, indeed, my son had all the classic symptoms of scarlet fever. Laughed again at how easy it is to treat this illness with such a scary name. But perhaps that is the way it can be with life from time to time-–big name problems with simple solutions. Perhaps there is a song in this somewhere, but I have not been in a mood to write lately. So tonight I will simply thank God for being the Great Healer, and the Great Provider (of pediatricians and antibiotics), and the Great Father that He is.

Hi Mlshiira
I read this when you wrote it, and I thought I commented, but I see its not here, so maybe I did not submit it correctly. anyway.......
I am so glad you were right on top of this with your Mom and that your son is okay! Thanking God with you for all the ways He worked in this situation, and for keeping you all in the palm of His hand!