Health Centres - Scarlet fever
What is scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is a rash accompanied by a sore throat caused by the streptococcus bacteria.
The disease most commonly affects children, but can occur in any age group. The characteristic symptoms are a rash and a 'strawberry tongue'. The disease is treated with antibiotics and it is usually resolved without complications.
It is a notifiable disease in the UK. This means that cases are required by law to be reported to a health officer or local government authority.
How is scarlet fever contracted?
A person can become infected with streptococcus either by touching or through airborne droplets. Scarlet fever appears together with a streptococcal sore throat. The incubation period - the time that passes from infection until the outbreak of the disease - is two to four days.
What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?
- A sore throat.
- A temperature.
- Headache.
- Feeling generally unwell.
- A rash that develops within 12 hours of the onset and rapidly becomes generalised.
- The face is spared, but cheeks are flushed, and the child looks 'scarlet' except for the area around the mouth.
- The rash fades after a few days, or sooner if treatment with antibiotics is given, following which the skin undergoes peeling.
- The tongue has a thick, white coating that peels after four or five days, producing a red strawberry appearance.
Good advice
- When the symptoms appear consult a GP.
- Pain on swallowing may be eased by hot drinks and soft food.
- Give the patient plenty of fluids.
How does the doctor make a diagnosis?
By looking at the symptoms and examining the throat.
How is scarlet fever treated?
The disease normally disappears within a week without any problems.
The rash may last for a very short time particularly if the patient is treated quickly with antibiotics.
If the patient is allergic to penicillin they are usually treated with erythromycin.
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