Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
Definition
- Scarlet Fever is a speckled, red rash all over the body due to infection with the Strep bacteria
Health Information
Symptoms
- Red, sunburned-looking skin. Feels rough, like sandpaper. If you look closely, the redness is speckled with tiny pink dots.
- Increased redness in skin folds (especially the groin, armpits, and elbow creases).
- Starts on upper chest and quickly spreads to lower chest and stomach.
- The rash has usually spread along the entire body within 24 hours.
- Flushed face with paleness around the mouth.
- Sore throat and fever usually occur 18-24hours before the rash.
Cause
- Caused by a toxin produced by strep bacteria.
- A strep throat infection. Learn more about strep throat here.
- Can also occur with a strep infection in a wound.
Prevention of Spread to Others
- Good hand washing can prevent the spread.
Care Advice
Overview
- Scarlet fever is a strep throat infection with a rash.
- Strep throat infection is diagnosed with a strep test.
- The complication rate for strep throat with scarlet fever is the same as strep throat alone.
Antibiotic by Mouth
- Scarlet fever needs a prescription antibiotic to treat the strep infection.
- This medicine will kill the Strep bacteria causing the rash and sore throat.
- Give the medicine as directed.
- Try not to forget any of the doses.
Scarlet Fever Rash Treatment
- The rash itself needs no special treatment.
- It usually lasts 5-7 days.
- When the rash clears, the skin often peels for another week – especially in the groin. If your child feels itchy, you can apply a moisturizing cream.
Strep Tests for the Family
Click here to learn more about exposure to strep.
Return to School
- Your child can return when they have been on oral antibiotics for 24 hours AND after the fever is gone.
- The rash cannot spread to others, but the strep throat infection can
Call Your Doctor If:
- Fever lasts more than 48 hours after starting the antibiotic
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts.
Reviewed by: AR D.O., TT D.O. | 08/2023