Doctor Betti Dr. Betti Hertzberg Ressler is a Board Certified Pediatrician on staff at Miami Children's Hospital. Dr. Hertzberg developed the toilet training video "Let's Go Potty." She is the co-author of "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies for Children." Immunizations Question: My two year old daughter has just recently been diagnosed with scarlet fever and impetigo the doctor put her on a type of penicillin along with the fucidin for the impetigo will all this medication be harmful for her? - Robin Answer: Dear Robin, Scarlet fever is a specific rash that occurs in combination with a strep infection, usually a sore throat. It can also occur following a skin infection called impetigo. Your daughter is on Penicillin, the antibiotic of choice for this infection. I'm not sure what other medication she is taking for the impetigo. The name that you listed does not sound familiar. Perhaps it is a generic form of antibiotic cream. This would be appropriate treatment for the impetigo skin infection. Soap and water cleaning of the skin prior to placing the antibiotic cream is very important. This will help in preventing complications and the spread of infection. It is very important that you finish all the medicine that has been prescribed. Your concern about the medication is valid. All medications should be taken seriously, however the risk of not treating either the scarlet fever or impetigo can be very serious. Rheumatic fever, a serious disease that affects the heart and kidneys can be a complication of not treating scarlet fever. Cellulitis, a serious skin infection is another complication that occurs if the impetigo is not treated. Treatment is important. Talk to your daughter's pediatrician about any concern you might have. Dr. Betti Also see: My 10 year old daughter is incredibly prone to insect bites. Even when no one else is getting bitten, they seem to go for her! Any suggestions? My 12 year old daughter experiences difficulty sleeping due to fear of the dark and being alone. Is this normal? Ask Dr. Betti your questions This information is not intended to be a substitute for visiting your pediatrician. If you or your child has specific concerns, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.