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The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck). A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads.
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The signs and symptoms that give scarlet fever its name include:
•Red rash. The rash looks like a sunburn and feels like sandpaper. It typically begins on the face or neck and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. Pushing on the reddened skin makes it turn pale.
•Red lines. The folds of skin around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck usually become a deeper red than the other areas with the rash.
•Flushed face. The face may appear flushed with a pale ring around the mouth.
•Strawberry tongue. The tongue generally looks red and bumpy, and it's often covered with a white coating early in the disease.
Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever also include:
Signs and symptoms that need emergency evaluation
In children and teens, any of the following symptoms need emergency evaluation: For infants less than 2 months old, additional symptoms needing emergency evaluation include:
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Scarlet fever is caused by the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat — group A streptococcus (strep-toe-KOK-us), also called group A strep. In scarlet fever, the bacteria release a toxin that produces the rash and red tongue.
The infection spreads from person to person by droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The incubation period — the time between exposure and illness — is usually 2 to 4 days.
Children 5 to 15 years of age are more likely than are other people to get scarlet fever. Scarlet fever germs spread more easily among people in close contact, such as family members, child-care groups or classmates.
Scarlet fever most often occurs after a strep throat infection. Sometimes scarlet fever may occur after a skin infection, such as impetigo. People can get scarlet fever more than once.
If scarlet fever goes untreated, the bacteria may spread to the:
•Tonsils
•Skin
•Blood
•Middle ear
•Sinuses
There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever. The best ways to prevent scarlet fever are the same as the standard precautions against infections:
•Wash your hands. Show your child how to wash hands thoroughly with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available.
•Don't share dining utensils or food. As a rule, your child shouldn't share drinking glasses or eating utensils with friends or classmates. This rule applies to sharing food, too.
•Cover your mouth and nose. Tell your child to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to prevent the potential spread of germs.
If your child has scarlet fever, wash drinking glasses and utensils in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher after your child uses them.
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Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children. It causes a distinctive pink-red rash. Learn about scarlet fever symptoms and treatments.
- Fifth disease. A virus called parvovirus B19 causes a common childhood infection called fifth disease. Doctors may also call it “slapped cheek” disease because the rash often causes a red or darker patch on the cheek.
- Roseola. A type of virus in the herpesvirus family causes roseola infantum, producing a rash that presents as small flat spots or tiny bumps. A halo of slightly lighter or paler skin may surround some of the bumps.
- Chickenpox. A virus called varicella-zoster causes chickenpox. Most children now get the chickenpox vaccine, which is very effective, but some will still get the virus.
- Scarlet fever. Scarlet fever occurs due to a group A Streptococcus infection, such as strep throat. Strep is a bacterial infection, and people usually get sick within a few days of infection.
Jul 31, 2020 · Scarlet fever rash is a symptom of scarlet fever. Other symptoms include a sore throat and fever. Children, and adults in frequent contact with children, are most at risk of getting...
Scarlet fever usually starts with a sudden fever associated with sore throat, swollen neck glands, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, swollen and red strawberry tongue, abdominal pain, body aches, and malaise. The characteristic rash appears 12–48 hours after the start of the fever.
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Mar 29, 2019 · Scarlet fever is characterised by a rash, which usually accompanies a sore throat. Bacteria that cause the infection produce toxins (poisons), which cause the rash, a red and swollen tongue...
