Mum’s are never meant to get sick. RIGHT? Find out what happened when this mum was knocked down for six months after a common throat infection.

I have suffered many, many, MANY bouts of “tonsillitis” since I was a young child. In my teen years, my then family GP, decided to put me on a course of antibiotics for six months to try and cure me once and for all. Pffft yeah, true story. Don’t get me started on how my poor gut has suffered ever since.

My last bout of tonsillitis was diagnosed a few years ago now. (PLEASE no more!) November 2013. The week of my birthday.

I tried to fight the tell tale signs of the infection myself for a while to avoid yet another course of antibiotics. But in the end when my temperatures started to rise I decided I better visit the GP. A throat swab confirmed strep.

After taking a few doses I began having what we thought was a reaction to the antibiotics. Itchy rash developing everywhere. After suffering similar reactions before (See previous poor gut statement) the doctor continued to change the medication I was prescribed and off I went. But after a couple of different medications and no real improvement to the spots I was continuing to develop I was getting very frustrated.

While my throat was feeling better, what was happening to my body felt much worse.

I actually ended up in Emergency as the itch and burning sensation became unbearable. After a few tests, that all came back clear, one of the nurses asked for permission to send a photo of my horrid rash to a dermatologist. He diagnosed me on the spot with Psoriasis and I was sent away with a referral to see him the following week.

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis most commonly seen after a bacterial throat infection. “Tear-drop” shaped red and slightly scaly plaques are usually seen scattered on the trunk, arms and legs. It often affects children and young adults, and generally responds very well to treatment.

I had it literally from top to toe. My scalp, my ears, hands, full body front and back, right down to my toes. Thankfully not on my face. Which was some kind of miracle. It itched and felt like it was burning nonstop.

It is inflammation so it really felt like I was burning from the inside. Horrible sensation!

The dermatologist felt it may have occurred because I tried to fight the strep infection on my own for too long before getting treatment.

Summer time arrived and I hid myself away under long tops and trousers for the next six months while I underwent UV treatment to help heal my skin. I also visited a health practitioner who prescribed a few supplements to try and help heal my gut. Like healing from the inside out, so to speak.

Mum’s don’t get sick!

Luckily for me I do work from home. So I could hide away in the safety of my own environment.

It was tough on the kids. Like I said previously it was Summer and trips to the beach were horrid!  Despite being hidden under long clothing, the sand also made me REALLY itchy and irritated the skin.

I avoided leaving the house as much as possible. Going to the supermarket was horrible. People would look at me like I had some contagious disease. I am certain they hated touching money after me.  I really feel for people who live with skin disorders all their life.

It can be hereditary

I have been told it is genetic and that I should watch my children whenever they get sore throats. Which scares me!

We have all been advised to get antibiotics as soon as there is any sign of a sore throat. I hate that! I am really not a fan of medication since this episode. I am not convinced that the medication wasn’t the start of it all.

I still get really paranoid every time I feel unwell. I hope and pray I never have to go through it again. And I truly feel for those people who deal with psoriasis ongoing.

The main message from me is to NEVER ignore a sore throat, especially with a fever. Make sure you seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid a similar outcome.

How Streptococcal sore throat is spread

Streptococci are spread when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes small droplets containing infectious agents into the air. The droplets in the air may be breathed in by those nearby. The droplets may contaminate hands or objects such as drinking cups or eating utensils. Sometimes spread occurs by eating contaminated food. Sometimes spread occurs by direct contact with infected wounds or skin sores.

Signs and symptoms via SA Health

Symptoms include:

• fever
• sore throat
• tender, swollen glands in the neck.

Complications of this infection may include:

• Scarlet fever

All the symptoms of throat infection plus a fine red rash, which first appears as tiny red bumps on the chest and abdomen. This rash may then spread all over the body. It looks like sunburn and feels like a rough piece of sandpaper. It is usually more red in the armpits and groin areas. The rash lasts about 2 to 5 days. There is often also reddening of the tongue and the bumps on the tongue appear larger than usual, causing an appearance known as ‘strawberry tongue’. After the rash is gone, often the skin on the tips of the fingers and toes begins to peel

• Quinsy
  An abscess (collection of pus) next to a tonsil.
• Rheumatic fever
  Rheumatic fever is a rare complication. Fever, joint pain and a skin rash develop soon after a sore throat. Later, inflammation of the heart (rheumatic carditis), or shaking and unsteadiness (Sydenham’s chorea or St Vitus’ dance) may occur.
• Inflammation and reduced function of the kidney – A rare complication.

Earlier this week we shared the horrible news of a young girl recovering from a rare complication after strep throat led to a dangerous infection, which resulted in the amputation of one of her legs. READ MORE HERE.

Have you had a nasty experience with a throat infection or antibiotics?

Share your comments below.

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