Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is an infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria, characterised by a rash.
 
About scarlet fever
Symptoms of scarlet fever
Complications of scarlet fever
Causes of scarlet fever
Diagnosis of scarlet fever
Treatment of scarlet fever
 

About scarlet fever

 
Scarlet fever is usually a mild infection, which causes a rash. It’s most common in children and young adults.
 
A very mild form of the infection is sometimes referred to as scarletina.
 
If you have had scarlet fever once, you’re unlikely to get it again.
 

Symptoms of scarlet fever

 
The first symptoms of scarlet fever include:
 

• sore throat
• headache
• high temperature
• feeling sick
• vomiting
• tonsillitis
• swollen glands in your neck
• a flushed red face, but pale around your mouth
• a white coating on your tongue – this will peel after a few days and your tongue will look red and swollen (known as ‘strawberry tongue’)
• feeling tired and generally unwell

 
About 12 to 48 hours after these symptoms have appeared you will usually get a red rash on your skin. The rash will usually appear on your neck, chest and stomach to begin with and then spread to the rest of your body. The rash will feel like sandpaper to touch and will disappear when pressure is applied (blanch). It won’t usually be on your face, the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet.
 
The rash will usually last for about five days. After it has started to fade, the outer layer of your skin will usually shed, particularly on your fingertips, toes and groin area.
 
Your symptoms will usually clear up within one week.

 
 Complications of scarlet fever

 
Most people with scarlet fever won’t have any complications. However, there is a small chance that you may develop:
 

• an ear infection
• a throat abscess (a collection of pus in your throat)
• sinusitis (inflammation of your sinuses)
• pneumonia (inflammation of your lungs)

 
More rarely, meningitis can occur as a complication of scarlet fever. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges - the membranes that cover your brain and spinal cord.
 
Complications that may occur later on, sometimes after your scarlet fever symptoms have gone include:
 

• joint or bone problems
• liver damage
• acute glomerulonephritis (inflammation of your kidneys)
• rheumatic fever (a fever with painful, swollen or stiff joints)

 
Again, these complications are rare.
 

Causes of scarlet fever

 
Scarlet fever is caused by infection with Streptococcus bacteria. It can be passed from person to person. You may catch scarlet fever if you come into contact with the mucus or saliva of someone who is infected. This can happen if you inhale droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or if you come into contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person has touched. Your symptoms won’t usually start to show until between two and four days after you have become infected.
 

Diagnosis of scarlet fever

 
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may take a sample of cells from the back of your throat using a swab. A throat swab is similar to a small round cotton bud. The sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
 

Treatment of scarlet fever

Self-help

Try to rest and make sure you drink enough fluids.
 
You may find taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen helps to relieve any pain. You can also suck over-the-counter throat lozenges to relieve your sore throat. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
 

Medicines

Your GP will usually prescribe you a course of antibiotics. You will usually be given an antibiotic called penicillin, which you will need to take four times a day for 10 days. Always ask your doctor for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
 
If you’re allergic to penicillin, your GP may prescribe an antibiotic called erythromycin instead.
 
You shouldn’t go to work or school for five days after starting your antibiotics.