Scarlet Fever is a speckled, red rash all over due to the Strep bacteria
Call or Return If
Fever lasts more than 48 hours after starting the antibiotic
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
About This Topic
Symptoms
Reddened, sunburned-looking skin
Starts on upper chest and quickly spreads to lower chest and stomach
The rash is almost everywhere within 24 hours
Looking closely, the redness is speckled with tiny pink dots
Rough, sandpaper-like feeling to the reddened skin
Increased redness in skin folds (especially the groin, armpits, and elbow creases)
Flushed face with paleness around the mouth
Sore throat and fever usually occur before the rash by 18 to 24 hours
Cause
Caused by a toxin produced by strep bacteria
A strep throat infection with a rash
Can also occur with a strep infection in a wound
Can get scarlet fever up to 3 times (reason: 3 different toxins)
Prevention of Spread to Others
Good hand washing can prevent the spread.
After Care Advice
Overview:
Scarlet fever is a strep throat infection with a rash.
The complication rate is no different than for strep throat alone.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Antibiotic by Mouth:
Scarlet fever needs a prescription antibiotic to clear it up.
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.
Sore Throat Pain Relief:
Age over 1 year. Can sip warm fluids such as chicken broth or apple juice.
Age over 6 years. Can also suck on hard candy or lollipops. Butterscotch seems to help.
Age over 8 years. Can also gargle. Use warm water with a little table salt added. A liquid antacid can be added instead of salt. Use Mylanta or the store brand. No prescription is needed.
Medicated throat sprays or lozenges are generally not helpful.
Soft Diet:
Offer a soft diet. Cold drinks and milk shakes may soothe the pain.
Pain Medicine:
To help with the throat pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
Fever:
For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Note: Lower fevers are important for fighting infections.
For ALL fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
Scarlet Fever Rash Treatment:
The rash itself usually needs no special treatment.
When the rash peels, it may become a little itchy.
If that's the case, apply a moisturizing cream as needed.
Strep Tests for the Family:
Scarlet fever and strep throat can spread to others in the family.
Household members who develop symptoms in the next 5 days should have a Strep test.
What to Expect:
The red rash often lasts 5 to 7 days.
When the rash clears, the skin often peels for another week. Peeling is common in the groin.
Return to School:
Your child can return after the fever is gone. Your child should also be taking an antibiotic by mouth for 24 hours.
The rash cannot spread to others, but the strep throat can.
Author:Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP Copyright
Disclaimer:This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
