Scarlet fever is an infection which produces a sore throat, fever, and a specific rash.
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Scarlet fever is caused by specific bacteria. The bacteria produces a toxin that causes a rash. Scarlet fever usually develops in conjunction with strep throat.
Factors that may increase the chances of scarlet fever:
Symptoms may include:
In rare cases, untreated strep throat infection may cause:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may diagnose scarlet fever by the specific rash. Confirmation of scarlet fever can be done with a throat swab or rapid strep antigen detection test.
The infection that causes scarlet fever can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to take all the prescribed medication. Doing so will prevent scarlet fever from returning, and also prevent complications.
There is no specific treatment for the rash. After the rash fades, the skin peels for several weeks.
To help reduce the chances of scarlet fever:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org
Kids Health—Nemours Foundation
http://kidshealth.org
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Group A Streptococcus. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T903304/Group-A-Streptococcus. Accessed January 29, 2021.
McKinnon HD Jr, Howard T. Evaluating the febrile patient with a rash. Am Fam Physician. 2000;62(4):804-816.
Streptococcus. PEMSoft at EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://pemsoft.ebscohost.com/content/PPacCore/UID188658.html. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 1/29/2021
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