Scarlet Fever

Symptoms of scarlet fever are consistent with the flu, but they are accompanied by a characteristic red rash with a sandpaper-like texture. The rash first appears on the chest and stomach, but then may spread to other parts of the body. The rash may begin either before or up to several days after the flu-like symptoms. The red color will blanch with gentle pressure. Creases around the elbows, underarms and groin may develop and appear bright red. Strep throat often occurs with this infection, as do body aches and high fever.

You may experience any of the following symptoms of scarlet fever:

• Body aches
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Headache
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Red rash with a sandpaper-like texture
• Sore, red throat
• “Strawberry” (red, bumpy) tongue
• White coating in the back of the throat

In some cases, scarlet fever can be a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including:

• Convulsions
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Seizures

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria that infect the nose and throat. Streptococcus group A is the same bacteria responsible for strep throat, which often occurs with the infection.

Scarlet fever is highly contagious and is transmitted through contact with an infected person. Transmission occurs via exposure to droplets of mucus or saliva from the infected person, which may be airborne, or through other accidental contact. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes after contact with an infected person, and wash your hands very thoroughly.

A number of factors increase the risk of developing scarlet fever. Not all people with risk factors will get scarlet fever. Risk factors for scarlet fever include:

• Contact with an infected person
• Failing to wash your hands after contact with an infected person or droplets of mucus or saliva from an infected person
• Living in a community that has experienced an outbreak
• Touching your mouth, nose or throat after contact with an infected individual

You may be able to lower your risk of scarlet fever by:

• Avoiding contact (if possible) with a person infected with scarlet fever
• Washing your hands thoroughly after contact with an infected person

Treatment of scarlet fever begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. To confirm the diagnosis, your health care provider will most likely obtain a throat culture to check for the presence of Streptococcus group A bacteria. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, along with bed rest and other supportive care to help reduce pain and discomfort.

With antibiotics and supportive care, most cases of scarlet fever will resolve without complications. Treatments include:

• Antibiotics such as penicillin. Care must be taken to finish the full course of antibiotics.
• Medications that reduce pain and fever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)

There are several self-care measures you can take to improve your symptoms and help with recovery. These include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Gargling with salt water for your throat
• Getting plenty of rest
• Using a cold compress on your head
• Using a humidifier to relieve congestion

Rheumatic fever is an uncommon inflammatory disease that can be a complication of Streptococcus infection. This condition leads to arthritis and long-term complications in many areas of the body. In general, complications of scarlet fever, especially when treated appropriately, are rare. However, left untreated, it can lead to serious complications that include:

• Abscess
• Acute rheumatic fever
• Adenitis (inflammation of a gland)
• Arthritis
• Glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation)
• Meningitis (infection or inflammation of the sac around the brain and spinal cord)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis (inflammation or infection of the sinuses)
• Tonsillitis