Scarlet fever is a fairly common childhood illness. It is caused by bacteria (streptococci) and is characterized by a rash. These bacteria more often cause a sore throat alone. Once a common and dangerous illness, today it is rare and easily managed. The main symptoms include a nasty sore throat and fever. The rash is a fine, raised, red rash (feels like sandpaper), which disappears momentarily when pressed. It appears most commonly on the neck, chest, under the arms, elbows and inner thighs. The rash does not usually affect the face, which is flushed. During convalescence, the skin usually peels on the finger and toes. The disease occurs mostly in children between the ages of 2 and 10. After an incubation period of two to five days, it typically starts with a very high fever of up to 104° F and sore throat, followed by nausea, vomiting, headache and abdominal pain. Anywhere from 12 to 48 hours later, a distinctive scarlet rash appears, first on the neck and chest and then all over the body. The rash feels like sandpaper. In areas of skin folds, such as the armpits, creases at the elbows and groin, the rash may have a characteristic appearance. The tongue also becomes swollen and turns bright red. After three days the rash and fever usually disappear, but the tongue may remain swollen for several more days. Unlike certain other childhood diseases such as rubella and measles, scarlet fever cannot be left to run its course; it must be treated or it can lead to arthritis, jaundice, kidney problems and rheumatic fever.

Scarlet fever occurs most frequently in children. Its symptoms include: Bright red or scarlet rash, usually beginning on the neck or chest, high fever, sore throat, tongue coated with red spots, swollen glands in neck, and vomiting. Penicillin reduces the length of the illness and the possibility of rare complications. There are alternatives for people allergic to penicillin. Consult your doctor who will confirm the diagnosis and decide about treatment. The infected person should rest while they have a fever. Keep a child with a fever cool by reducing clothing and bedclothes and by giving paracetamol as prescribed on the bottle. Sponging a child down with cool water will help to bring the temperature down. Babies and people with low resistance to infection (immunosuppression) should avoid contact with the patient.

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