About scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a disease characterized by typical rash  that can happen when a child has an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogens (group A strep). It’s usually a throat infection, but it can sometimes be a skin infection. Scarlet fever symptoms develop when the bacteria release toxins that spread through the child’s body.

Group A strep bacteria can spread from person to person through sneezing, coughing or touching the sores of someone with a skin infection.

Scarlet fever symptoms

Children with scarlet fever almost always have:

• a sore throat
• a rash
• tender and swollen lymph glands in their necks
• fever
• vomiting.

 The rash

The rash looks like a sunburn and feels like sandpaper. It typically begins on the face or neck and spreads to the body, arms and legs. If pressure is applied to the reddened skin, it will turn pale.

The folds of skin around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck usually become a deeper red than the surrounding rash.

 The face may appear flushed with a pale ring around the mouth

Children’s tongues might also turn bright red. This is sometimes called a ‘strawberry tongue’.

After the infection has gone away, children’s skin might peel, usually on the tips of their fingers and toes.

If your child has scarlet fever, he’s infectious for only 1-2 days after taking the right treatment. But he might be infectious for 10-21 days if he doesn’t get treatment.

Does your child need to see a doctor about scarlet fever?

Yes. You should take your child to the doctor if your child shows symptoms of scarlet fever.

Tests for scarlet fever

Your doctor might do a throat swab to confirm your child has Streptococcus pyogens infection.

Treatment for scarlet fever

Scarlet fever looks dramatic, but it’s usually easily treated with antibiotics from the penicillin group. If your child is allergic to penicillin, your doctor will prescribe a different kind of antibiotic.

With treatment, your child will usually get better within 24- 48 hours.

Complications of scarlet fever

If left untreated, this kind of infection can cause complications such as severe Streptococcus pyogens infection, and sometimes dalayed complications such as rheumatic fever and kidney damage (glomerulonephritis).

Prevention of scarlet fever

There’s no immunisation for scarlet fever.

To prevent group A strep bacteria from spreading, you, your child and other family members should wash hands regularly with warm soapy water. You should all try to keep your hands away from eyes, nose and mouth too.