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Scarlet Fever: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Easy-to-Understand Guide

Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that causes a distinctive bright red rash. This rash often feels like sandpaper and can cover most of the body. Scarlet fever is easily spread from person to person, making it important to understand its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Symptoms of Scarlet Fever

The most noticeable symptom of scarlet fever is the bright red rash that typically starts on the face and neck before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash may be itchy and can resemble a sunburn. Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever, with or without chills

  • Sore, red throat with possible white blotches

  • Swollen glands in the neck

  • Headache or body aches

  • Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

  • Red, swollen tongue (sometimes called "strawberry tongue")

  • Flushed face with a pale ring around the mouth

  • Deep red coloring in the creases of the arms, legs, neck, and groin

After the rash disappears, your skin may peel for several weeks.

Causes of Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat, called "group A strep." If your child has strep throat, there's a chance they may also develop scarlet fever. The infection can also be linked to infected burns or wounds, either your own or those of another person.

Scarlet fever is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, and it is often passed between classmates at school or family members in close contact with each other. The infection is typically spread through contact with droplets emitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface contaminated with these droplets.

Diagnosing Scarlet Fever

If your child has a sore throat, especially if accompanied by a rash or fever, it's important to call your doctor. To diagnose scarlet fever, your doctor will perform the following tests:

  1. Physical exam: The doctor will examine the rash, throat, and lymph nodes, and check for other symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches.

  2. Throat swab: A swab of the throat and tonsils will be taken to test for the presence of group A strep bacteria.

  3. Rapid strep test: This test provides quick results, but if negative, a more in-depth culture test may be ordered to confirm the presence of the bacteria.

Treating Scarlet Fever

Treatment for scarlet fever is typically the same as for strep throat. Antibiotics are prescribed to kill the strep bacteria causing the infection. Recovery may take a couple of weeks. In the meantime, you can take the following steps to help manage symptoms:

  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever (never give aspirin to children or teens)

  • Provide soothing drops for children 4 years and older to help with throat pain

  • Offer soft foods, cold drinks, or ice pops to ease throat discomfort

  • Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration and keep the throat moist

  • Gargle with salt water to alleviate mouth and throat pain

  • Use a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air

  • Apply an over-the-counter anti-itch cream if the rash is itchy, and keep your child's nails trimmed to prevent scratching

Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent potential complications, such as the bacteria spreading and causing pneumonia or, in rare cases, rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, and nervous system.

If you suspect that you or your child has scarlet fever, consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, you can help ensure a quicker recovery and prevent the spread of this infectious disease.

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