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Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a contagious bacterial infection that usually affects young children aged 5–15 or people with strep throat. Though it is a severe child infection, scarlet fever is less threatening with antibiotic treatments. If not treated, it can affect the kidneys, heart, and other body parts. 

Scarlet fever symptoms

Primary signs include,

  • Red rash that feels like sandpaper and looks like a sunburn typically begins in the face and moves downward.
  • Red lines, folds of skins around armpit, elbows, neck, knees, and groin.
  • Flushed face, usually with a pale ring near the mouth.
  • Red and bumpy tongue, often covered in white coating at the early stage of the infections.

The redness and rashes all over the body will probably last for a week, and the affected skin will peel. 

Other symptoms are more typical signs of flu, like:

  • Increase in body temperature, 100.4F or more
  • Red and sore throat
  • Hard to swallow
  • Enlarged glands, usually in the neck
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Stomach ache
  • Body and headaches
Scarlet fever is an emergency if:

  • Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Drooling
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Dizziness

For infants:

  • Unable to comfort
  • Rapid breathing that often comes and goes
  • Temperature either lesser than 96.0 F or higher than 100.4 F
Scarlet fever symptoms

Scarlet fever preventions

  • Wash your hands more frequently and teach children to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid sharing food utensils.
  • Throw the used tissues in the bin as soon as possible.
  • Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. 

Is scarlet fever dangerous?

Scarlet fever can be a severe bacterial infection if not treated sooner. Rarely, it can lead to complications during or after the infection. They are:

  • Throat abscess
  • Ear infection
  • Sinusitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Meningitis 

No studies suggest that scarlet fever during pregnancy will affect the baby inside. But it can make a pregnant woman sick, so avoid close contact with people who have the infection. 

Scarlet fever treatments

A doctor will prescribe antibiotics that will:

  • Lower the chances of severe illnesses
  • Helps you to get well quick
  • Make it less likely to spread the infection to others

For personalized advice and support tailored to your health needs, consider our free doctor consultation service, where you can connect with experienced professionals ready to assist you.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 23 JUNE 2022