Selfies are widely popular, and if you're reading this, you've probably taken a selfie once or twice in your life. With all the different editing apps and filters available, we can easily alter our selfies to look exactly how we want them before we show them to the world.

Unfortunately, you can retouch your photos all you want but you can't hide reality. This was the case for Casey Gemmell from Perth, Australia. One simple selfie motivated her to make major changes in her life.

It all started when she rented a Batgirl costume for her son's super hero birthday party. It was a little small, but she wore it with confidence. She felt great until the photos were posted on Facebook.

Mixed feelings

When she saw the pictures, she thought, "That's not me, what a terrible angle." As more pictures were posted she kept waiting for a better angle — but it never happened.

After feeling sad and depressed for a little while, she decided to make a change in her life and work on her weight. Gemmel modified four habits, leading her to lose 154 pounds. If you're trying to lose weight, try out these four habits as well:

1. Get rid of four foods

• Cheese is a product obtained from cow's milk, so it contains concentrated nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins, fats and proteins. Excessive consumption, however, makes it hard for the body to digest and leads to weight gain.

• Bread contains 50 to 60 carbohydrates. Carbs have a lot of sugar, and when you put butter, jam, honey, peanut butter and other things on bread, it can get fattening fast.

• Pasta is made with flour and has tons of carbohydrates. Excessive consumption makes it hard for the body to digest, causing fat to build up.

• Soda is loaded with sugar and artificial flavors, so take it out of your diet if you want to lose weight. New studies have found that diet soft drinks also contribute to weight gain even though they don't have any calories.

2. Exercise

Exercise is a key part of losing weight whether you like it or not. Gemmell suggests downloading apps to get you motivated. She downloaded the 5K Runner app, and she was running five kilometers straight (a little over three miles) before she knew it.

After four months of running, she signed up for a gym membership and started training and strengthening her muscles with resistance training.

3. Support

Her husband was by her side throughout the whole journey. He goes running with her everyday. He gives advice and motivates her to exercise and continue with her diet. Having a good support system is SUPER important.

4. Patience

Just like Gemmell, we sometimes want to throw in the towel and forget about our end goals. Losing weight is hard but worth it. She learned that it won't happen overnight, but when bad habits change one by one, the weight will come off eventually.

Losing weight is achievable when the person is completely determined, modifies bad eating habits, exercises and drinks lots of water. Remember — don't invent a diet or do anything unhealthy. A specialist will provide you with what's best for your body based on your age, weight and physical activity.

This article was adapted and translated from the original "Mujer perdió 70 kilos SÓLO dejando de comer estos 4 alimentos" which was originally published on familias.com.

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During the summertime, it's normal to invite friends and family over for a barbecue.

Before barbecuing anything up, it's important to clean the grill, as it can get dirty being exposed to the outside, or at least that's what a mother named Nadia thought. She started by cleaning the grill with a stainless steel bristle brush and left it ready to roast the meat.

The whole family gathered in the backyard to eat some hamburgers and enjoy the day together. However, accidents sometimes ruin the fun.

Anthony Fiore, Nadia's 6-year-old son, was very excited and was the first to grab a hamburger off the grill. After just a few bites, he said he felt a tingling in the throat. In a matter of minutes, that tingling became a sharp pain, preventing him from breathing.

Party's over!

Anthony's pain was growing stronger, so the mother took him to the hospital to be treated. The doctors moved him to the X-ray room, where they discovered a small piece of metal lodged in his throat. It was part of the bristle brush his mother had used to clean the grill.

A surgery to save his life

The doctors performed emergency surgery to remove the metal bristle, fearing that it could go down to the stomach and affect the organs of the body if they waited too long. Fortunately, the surgery was a success, Anthony was no longer in danger.

However, the little one developed a strong infection by swallowing the metallic bristle full of bacteria and germs, which was treated with antibiotics.

Unfortunately, Anthony's case is not that unique; there are many similar accidents, like 52-year-old Cheryl Harrison, who found several steel wires in her fresh-off-the-grill hamburger.

Accidents of this type can be avoided by paying attention while cleaning the grill. Chemicals and just regular wear can cause rust on the surface, putting your family's health at risk.

• Remove the grill, soak it for a few minutes with hot water and soap, then carve the grill with a sponge (not metallic)

• Rub down the grill with half an onion

• Buy a commercial product to remove grill stains (common for your stove)

• Apply lemon, baking soda and a little water; leave it to stand for three minutes then remove it with a damp cloth or non-metallic fiber.

• Vinegar. This ingredient is ideal in removing rust. Soak the grill all night with vinegar and wipe with a damp cloth. It will remove any encrusted fat.

Avoid using metallic steel fibers as a safety measure. It is better to focus on enjoying the day with your family and friends, without having to worry about any accidents.

This article has been translated and adapted from the original "Niño siente hormigueo en la garganta; el médico queda en shock cuando la radiografía le muestra la PELIGROSA causa," which was originally published on familias.com.

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Kissing demonstrates love, passion and attraction. It's an intimate action that unites a couple. It's a magical thing that strengthens relationships. It's the ideal way to convey emotions to the person you love.

However, in many cultures, kisses can signal more than just love. A simple kiss can mean friendship, trust, peace, respect or is even a way to greet your friends. Because there are many things kissing can communicate, it makes sense that there are different kinds of kisses - each way to kiss sends a different message.

Take note and kiss your sweetheart in these three ways to make sure he won't forget you or the love you have for him:

1. A kiss on the cheek

A kiss on the cheek can show support, friendship and attraction. While a short peck can demonstrate friendship and support, to show your sweetheart your attraction, give him a soft and lingering smooch on their cheek. Feeling soft lips brush against your check is a wonderfully simple way to show your love.

These are some of the most tender kisses you can give and receive, especially if they are done quietly - a surprise smooch on the cheek speaks volumes about your love.

2. A lingering kiss

This is the most common way to show your partner how special they are without getting too passionate. This kiss usually only lasts a few seconds, but it's so important to the strength of your relationship. The key is to surprise your darling with a lingering kiss. When he gives you a peck before work, pull him in closer to make the peck last just a few seconds longer. You'll be sure to knock him off his feet.

This kissing technique is particularly important to married couples. Sometimes kissing can become routine; kisses that used to be long and lingering are now short and habitual. Get in the habit of kissing each other for at least 15 seconds every day. These short seconds will tell your darling you love them without using any words.

3. A hug and a kiss

It can be a kiss on the cheek, the forehead, a small kiss or a passionate kiss. No matter what type of kiss you give, remember to accompany it with a hug. Remember to hug with strength and intensity so you can convey your feelings and emotions. This hug and kiss combination is perfect for any occasion.

Don't forget how important a kiss can be for your relationships. Take your time and give your partner the intensity and love they deserve in each smooch. This way you'll be able to show your sweetheart exactly how you feel which will strengthen your relationship.

This article was adapted and translated from the original "3 formas de besarlo para que nunca pueda olvidarte" which was originally published on familias.com.

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Molly Pawlett, a 14-year-old teenager, was about to die.

As reported by Good Housekeeping, the teen learned for herself the serious health risk that many women casually overlook each and every month.

As Pawlett headed to bed that night, she decided to leave her tampon in. But what she expected to be a normal, peaceful night's sleep turned into a real-life nightmare. She awoke with a feeling of discomfort and went to her sleeping mother for help. When her mom noticed a strange red rash covering her daughter's body, she took her to the hospital immediately.

"At first I assumed Molly had a bug, but for some reason I had strange feeling it was something more serious," mother Sonia Pawlett said.

A diagnosis she never thought she'd get

Doctors diagnosed Molly with toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening complication involving certain bacterial infections. Often, it results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Luckily, the teen got to the hospital in time, but if she had ignored her symptoms, her case could have ended tragically.

Who does it affect?

Toxic shock syndrome is primarily associated with the use of tampons - usually the superabsorbent kind. The longer you wear a tampon, the higher your risk for TSS. Most tampon box warning labels recommend you never wear a tampon for longer than eight hours.

Though TSS commonly affects women, the bacterial infection can also afflict men and children, usually caused by infected insect bites, open wounds, piercings, surgery, etc.

Symptoms

According to WebMD, the most frequent symptoms of TSS are flu-like:

• Fever

• Rash

• Low blood pressure

• Kidney problems or failure

• Respiratory problems or failure

• Confusion

While these symptoms can be signs of other health problems as well, they are big red flags of TSS, especially if you've been wearing a tampon.

Treatment

TSS is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing the above symptoms while (particularly while wearing a tampon), the best thing to do is remove the tampon right away and go to the nearest hospital.

Some people diagnosed with TSS have to stay in intensive care for several days, according to healthline. Doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic to help the body fight its bacterial infection, medication to regulate your blood pressure, fluids to help combate dehydration and injections to help support your body's immune system.

How to use tampons safely

1. Notice timing

The most important tampon safety precaution you can take is to change your tampon every four to eight hours. Never leave one in for more than eight hours, and avoid sleeping while wearing a tampon if you can. The longer you leave the tampon in, the higher the risk of getting a bacterial infection.

2. Watch the absorbency

It's essential to choose tampons with the appropriate absorbency. Using a size too large for your needs also increases your chance of TSS. Do your best to match your tampon size (light, regular, super, etc.) to your flow.

3. Use other options

Most store-bought tampons contain chemicals for scent, shape and absorption which can cause other complications. If you want to stay on the absolute safe side, use pads, menstrual cups or other female sanitation options instead of tampons.

Many women don't read the fine print on their tampon boxes, but should. Spreading awareness about TSS is incredibly important - it could be the difference between life or death.

This article has been adapted and translated from the original "Esta adolescente olvidó hacer algo muy importante a la noche y 10 horas más tarde estaba perdiendo su vida" which was originally published on familias.com.

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Some people don't know who their neighbors are despite living in the same place for many years. Sometimes we're busy or just prefer to keep to ourselves. However, for one little girl, keeping in touch with the people in their neighborhood saved her life.

A 9-year-old girl used to greet a policeman with a smile every day from her window. One morning when the child was not there, he knew she was in trouble.

Missing from their routine

Police officer Jeff Colvin noticed that one morning a little girl, Klynn Scales, wasn't there for their usual morning exchange. His concern increased because he knew she lived in a home with drug problems, poverty and violence.

For Scales, greeting the policeman was not just a gesture of friendliness; it was more than that. She said to WGN "Through all the bad situations, I would just picture him saying that he was here for (me and my siblings) and that if we ever need him, he would be right there. He would always protect us, and so those words would come to me during the worst times of my childhood." The two had obviously formed a sort of connection, which ended up saving her life.

Deciding to investigate

After worrying about where that little girl could be, Sgt. Colvin decided to go find the missing girl. When he opened the door to her house, he found Scales all alone and very weak and sick. He picked up the child and took her to the hospital where she was treated for malnutrition.

Shortly after, Scales and her family moved from her house, and she completely lost contact with her rescuer.

The power of technology

Almost 20 years later, Jeff Covil received an email from a young woman who used to live by the police station he still works at - it was from Klynn Scales. Finally, they were reunited, and she was able to thank him for saving her life.

"Most times we go through our career not realizing we truly helped anybody out," Colvin said in an interview. After almost 20 years, Scales was able to thank him for his incredible act of service.

We can all be heroes

Like Sgt. Colvin, we can all help save a life or prevent an accident. Getting friendly with your neighbors is a great way to protect each other and provide peace of mind.

Here are some tips to protect your home and members of your family at all times:

1. Stay in touch

Social media makes it very easy to keep in touch with your neighbors. Have contact information for those who live around you and think about creating a neighborhood Facebook page to help keep everyone connected. That way, you can easily inform others about potential dangers simply by posting on the group page.

2. Leave a light on

As a safety measure, many people leave the patio light on or keep their entrance lit. Do the same thing for your neighborhood - create well-lit sidewalks and help look out for your own home and the homes around you.

3. Don't leave your family home alone

Make sure that no member of your family stays home alone for long, especially if they are young. Make sure you leave emergency phone numbers in a visible place so that any member of your family can make that critical call in the face of an emergency.

4. Invest in alarms

To protect your home and family, consider having alarms and security cameras installed in your house.

Take care of your home and family by following these safety precautions, and help your neighbors to do the same. Together, your neighborhood can help protect each other.

This article has been adapted and translated from the original Niña saluda a un policía todas las mañanas, un día no lo hace y él sabe que ella está en problemas... luego le salva la vida which was originally published on familias.com.

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Bathing or getting dressed in front of children is a controversial issue, and some experts believe it can cause future sexual or modesty problems. On the other hand, some specialists think it's the best way for kids to discover the human body in a safe and comfortable environment.

Bad or not so bad?

Celebrity chef and personality star Rachel Ray recently had a pediatrician on her show to weigh in on the subject. The doctor took a survey of the audience, and their answers were surprisingly split 50/50. Some thought it wasn't so bad to be naked in front of your five-year-old, and others thought it was not an appropriate practice.

The doctor agreed with both sides saying, "It's bad if it makes you or your child uncomfortable, and if it makes neither of you uncomfortable, not so bad." The most important thing to know is that kids need to learn modesty and respect - that can be done with or without dressing in front of your kids.

How do you know if your child is uncomfortable?

Watch your child's sense of privacy and independence. Pay attention to whether or not they usually close the door when they go to the bathroom or go in their bedroom to get dressed. If your child seems to prefer a private environment to change in, respect that tendency and teach your child about modesty and body pride in other situations.

When your kids are between two and five years old, they're extremely curious about the body and ask some pretty specific questions that can be uncomfortable to answer. Create a positive environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions about their body and other bodies. In an age appropriate way, teach them about modesty and privacy.

It can be a matter of gender

Mother and editor Kelly Wallace highlighted another mother's approach to this topic in her CNN article. "As [my kids] get older, my husband is more discreet around our daughters and I am more discreet around our son. Not because we are uncomfortable, but because they might be" said Rhonda Woods.

If your children begin to ask about the differences between their body and yours, it's important to tell the truth and be clear and concise. Handle the question in an age appropriate way, but answer positively and help make your child feel comfortable.

If you have doubts about the subject, discuss the topic with your husband and adapt your habits to accommodate your children. Overall, you know what's best for you and your children, so you ultimately make the decision about what's appropriate.

This article has been adapted and translated from the original "La ciencia explica: ¿Es bueno o malo desnudarse enfrente de los hijos?" which was originally published on familias.com.

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Most parents take great care of their children's health, but despite their efforts, surprise health scares can still happen to your children.

One mother had one of these scares when she filmed what she found inside her son's mouth. Her discovery quickly became a viral story.

The (frightening) discovery

In a Facebook post, mother Sara Guidry said her son Kale has always kept her on her toes. One day, she noticed something strange and white inside her son's mouth. She got out the tweezers and pulled out a finger nail embedded in his gums.

When she removed it, she was surprised to see more fingernails in his mouth. "I then search his mouth and find another area. I pulled around 27 out of the second spot" the surprised mother said on her post.

A reasonable explanation

Guidrysaid there's a rather simple explanation for this bizarre health risk: "The dentist has never seen anything like this. We figured out that Kale bites his nails and plays with them in his mouth. He pushes them up towards his pallet. The nail penetrates the skin and goes into a pocket between the baby teeth and permanent teeth."

She also urges parents to not let their children bite the nails.

Why do people bite their nails?

It's a compulsive habit, which over time can cause cuticle deformation, warts, infections, damage to your teeth as well as fungal or bacterial infections. It can even cause total loss of the nail, according to Huffington Post.

In a personal narrative on NPR by a "recovered nail biter", the author outlines the psychological damage caused by her behavior. It took decades for Amy Standen to stop her habit. "I never stopped. It was embarrassing - like wearing your neuroses on your sleeve. At parties, I learned to wrap my fingers all the way around my wine glass, so that my nails faced my chest. I hated filling out forms in public places" the author comments.

While the young boy, Kale, probably hasn't realized the psychological consequences of his habit, his mother and dentist probably outlined how his habit of biting and chewing on his nails is a serious health risk.

How to help your children

Therapy with a specialist can help sooth anxiety in your child if you feel this habit stems from stress. Keeping nails short can also help deter children from biting their nails.

Chewing gum or eating a candy, exercising or having some kind of activity to do instead of biting on their nails is also a great way to help your kid stay away from this nervous habit.

Nail biting is a habit that can be modified with effort and perseverance. Inform your child about the consequences of their habit and work constantly together to try to stop the nail biting.

This article has been adapted and translated from the original Mamá encuentra algo blanco atascado dentro de la boca de su hijo, cuando lo revisa descubre 26 pedazos más y un gran problema de salud en su hijo, which was originally published on familias.com.

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In a marriage, it's not always easy to establish a relationship that's full of love, passion and commitment every single day. But there are steps you can take to help make you spouse as happy as possible.

Communication with your spouse is very important. Some couples believe their relationship will always be great because they have had a few good years together. However, time does not determine happiness - it requires continual actions, love and dedication from both partners.

Some women prefer to keep their feelings to themselves because they don't really seem to matter to their spouse. But that's not true! When your partner's actions are making you unhappy, it's time to speak up.

If you're the hubby in this relationship, there are things you could be doing to make your wife unhappy:

1. You don't pay attention

When you get home after a long day's work, all you want to do is relax, watch TV and sleep. This behavior is very normal but focusing on your relationship with your wife should be your priority.

Women start to become unhappy when their partner does not pay attention to them. This happens when you choose TV, your cell phone or anything else over spending quality time with your wife.

The key to a good relationship is communication. Spend time talking with your wife and finding ways to strengthen your relationship will make you both happy.

2. You don't value her opinion

It's important for men to be able to make big decisions for the well-being of their family, but it's equally important to know how to take their wife's opinion into account.

Listen to your wife's solutions, opinions and strategies to overcome everyday problems. Let her participate in the decision making, from the less relevant ones (like choosing a restaurant for dinner) to the more important ones (like a career path). Trust her and notice that your life becomes much easier when she's happy.

3. Things are always the same

After the honeymoon stage is over, routine takes over the relationship and you have no desire to try new things. This complacency can make anyone unhappy, so don't let routine create unhappiness in your marriage. Spend time with your wife, set new challenges, accomplish new goals and start new adventures. Enjoy the scenery, go for a walk, go fishing, visit an amusement park or cook together to spice up your routine.

There's a lot of strengthening that goes into a relationship when you two can share new experiences together. Try new things and you and your wife will both be happier for it.

4. Making commitments without talking to her about them

As a man who works all day, you may have many social commitments; However, if you do not include your wife in your plans, she will feel excluded and rejected.

Balance your social events and try to invite your wife to come along, otherwise making plans without her will make her (and you) unhappy.

5. Lack of romance

Physical contact every day is important to any relationship. To see your wife smile, take her by the hand, caress her hair, give her flowers, hide chocolates around the house, send her affectionate messages and give her a massage.

If you have a hard time saying "I love you", do it in different ways. Write it in a note or sent it over text. Either way, your wife wife will feel loved and desired when she feels loved.

6. Being reckless with your finances

Organize your payments and your entire financial situation for a happy wife. If you don't work on getting out of debt, your wife is going to be unhappy. Do what's best for the both of you by being smart when it comes to money.

7. You don't help at home

Women have a lot to worry about on a daily basis: taking care of the children, going out to work and still taking care of the house is very tiring. Share the responsibilities of the home and see the your wife's unhappiness melt away.

Identify the needs of your wife and talk to her about what she needs to be happier with your marriage. You both will have a much better relationship if you and your wife are happy.

This article has been translated and adapted from the original 7 razones por la que tu esposa NO ES FELIZ. It was originally published on familias.com.

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We've all heard the phrase, "Actions speak louder than words." In a marriage, this couldn't be more true. New challenges and triumphs are experienced every day, and it's not easy to have a lasting marriage full of love, passion and commitment.

It may be hard, but it is possible. Communication (with your words and actions) is very important when it comes to having a happy spouse and relationship. Some couples believe they have a happy marriage simply because they've been married for a long time, but time doesn't determine happiness. Instead, actions, love and dedication prove happiness.

There could be a chance that your actions are what is making your wife unhappy. If any of these seven points sound familiar, it's time to change your ways and show your wife some love. In return, you'll both enjoy a happier and healthier marriage.

These are some common behaviors don't make your wife happy:

1. You don't pay attention

When you get home from a long day of work, the first thing you want to do is relax, watch TV and go to sleep. This behavior is totally normal, but being with your wife should be your top priority.

Women become unhappy when their spouse doesn't pay attention to them. This lack of attention will cause your marriage to suffer. Instead of looking at your phone, watching TV or staring at your computer, listen to your wife and have a conversation. Once you feel you both have spent time together, then you can turn on Netflix.

Talk to your wife when she wants to talk to you. The key to a happy relationship is communication.

2. You don't care about her opinions

Some men are used to making a lot of the decisions for the family. You may listen to your wife's opinions, but it's often lost in the process as you decide you know what's best. No wonder your wife isn't happy - no one likes to feel unimportant and ignored.

This is not the recipe for a good marriage; Two heads think better than one. Share your ideas, solutions and opinions with your wife and let her share hers with you. Let her participate in making decisions, big and small. Trust her judgment and make decisions together.

3. You're always the same

Sometimes you can fall into a routine and it becomes difficult to try new things. You're always tired and you have a lot to do all the time, but she's unhappy because life has gotten dull and predictable.

Although this is hard, spend time with your wife. Set new challenges and goals, and mix up the daily routine. Try something new and see her smile.

4. You don't include her

As a man who works all day, you may make plans to play golf with your friends after work. While it's important you get time to relax with your friends, don't forget to realize that your wife could feel left out and rejected if you do this.

Balance your social events and invite your wife if possible.

5. There's a lack of romance

It is very important that couples demonstrate their love in ways besides intimacy. Physical contact is something couples should have every day. Hold her hand, gently play with her hair, give her flowers or send love notes to remind her you still love her.

If you have a hard time saying "I love you," do it in different ways. Your wife will feel loved, appreciated and desired.

6. You have tons of debt

Financial troubles can weigh heavily on a loving wife. Organize your payments and financial situation to save your marriage. Unfortunately, your whole family is affected by your debts.

No wife would be happy to see that her husband doesn't know how to manage money or that he isn't able to get out of his financial problems. Decide to get out and stay out of debt for the rest of your marriage.

7. You don't help at home

It's a hard to take care of the children, clean the house and keep up with everything at home. This constant stress can make for a very unhappy wife. To lift her spirits and improve your marriage, help out around the home. Your wife will appreciate your efforts more than she can say.

A happy wife and a happy marriage isn't out of reach. Tweak your actions so they work towards making you, your partner and your relationship happy.

_This article has been adapted and translated from the original "7 razones por la que tu esposa NO ES FELIZ" which was originally published on familias.com.

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Despite our great efforts as parents to care for our children's health, it's nearly impossible to prevent them from ever getting sick.

Scarlet fever or scarlatina is a bacterial illness that develops from strep throat. It causes bright red rashes that cover the body, a sore throat and a high fever. Coughing or sneezing easily spreads the bacteria. Touching the mouth, nose or eyes of someone who is infected will likely cause you to get sick.

Many years ago, scarlet fever was a serious disease that attacked children between 2 and 10 years of age. Most infections resulted in death. This Victorian-era disease hasn't been much of concern these days, but health officials in the UK have seen an increase of Scarlet Fever in the past few years.

It is important for all parents to know the symptoms so they can get medical attention for their children, if necessary. Fortunately, the disease is easily controlled by antibiotics if detected early enough.

Symptoms of scarlet fever

A rash is the most common symptom of scarlet fever. The rash usually looks like a sunburn but feels rough and itchy. It will typically begin on the chest and stomach before spreading. Folds of skin (in armpits, on elbows and knees) are particularly susceptible. The rash will often become a deeper red color in these areas. Overall, this symptom lasts for two to seven days, according to healthline.

Other symptoms include:

• Fever over 101° F

• Chills

• Headache

• A red sore throat with white or yellow patches

• Swollen tonsils

• A flushed face

• Nausea and vomiting

• Swollen glands on the back of the neck

• Pale skin around the lips

• A tongue that is white with red dots (known as strawberry tongue)

Recommendations for parents

Scarlet fever is very contagious. If your child is sick, prevent them from coming in contact with people. Decrease risk of spreading the infection by washing hands often. Have your child cover their mouth when they cough and sneeze and have them wash their hands frequently.

Cut your child's fingernails to prevent them from scratching their rash. Keep them hydrated, and keep products away that are irritating (like chlorine, cleaning products, aerosols, etc.)

Help keep everyone else in the home healthy by not sharing utensils or towels.

And of course, visit a doctor. Usually, an antibiotic treatment is prescribed. No matter how much your child's health has improved, don't stop the treatment until it is complete.

Irreversible complications

If the disease progresses without antibiotics, the bacteria can spread to the liver, kidneys, tonsils and other systems in the body. In rare cases, scarlet fever can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious condition that affects the heart, joints, nervous system and skin.

Helping to soothe symptoms

Scarlet fever symptoms are very uncomfortable and painful for your child. Try some of these natural remedies to provide relief:

1. Apple cider vinegar

Warm up some apple cider vinegar for your child to sip. The acetic content kills germs and helps soothe a tender throat.

2. Keep moisture in the air

Humidifiers help prevent coughing, which is especially painful with a sore throat. Add essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus and mint to decrease inflammation.

Parents might not be able to prevent illness, but we can do our part to help keep our children as healthy as possible. Remind your children to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough and to wash their hands frequently.

This article was adapted and translated from the original, "Nuevo brote de la Fiebre Escarlata, una peligrosa enfermedad que ataca a nuestros hijos: Conoce los síntomas." It was originally published on familias.com.

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