Scarlet fever
Alternative Names
ScarlatinaWhat is Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that causes a distinctive pink-red rash. It is usually mild. Scarlet fever is caused by an infection with group A streptococcusbacteria. The bacteria make a toxin that can trigger the scarlet-colored rash from which this illness gets its name.
Signs and symptoms
Scarlet fever can cause the following symptoms:
- sore throat
- fever
- bright red tongue with a "strawberry" appearance
- characteristic rash: fine, red and rough-textured
- it appears 12–72 hours after the fever
- generally starts on the chest, armpits, and behind the ears
- It spares the face (although some circumoral pallor is characteristic)
- it is worse in the skin folds
- may spread to cover the uvula
Possible complications
Commonly, scarlet fever does not cause serious complications. But in some cases it may trigger:
- ear infection
- throat abscess
- sinusitis
- kidney inflammation
- pneumonia
- rheumatic fever, which causes pain in the joints
Very rare complications include:
- meningitis
- acute kidney failure
- blood poisoning
- necrotising fasciitis (a flesh-eating disease)
- toxic shock syndrome (a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection)
- osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
What causes
Scarlet fever caused by the streptococcal bacteria which produce a toxin that leads to the hallmark red rash of the illness. The main risk factor is infection with the bacteria that triggers strep throat. A history of strep throat or scarlet fever in the community, neighborhood or school may increase the risk of infection.
Prevention
You can prevent scarlet fever by taking the following precautions:
- wash your hands
- don not share dining utensils or food
- cover your mouth and nose
Treatment
Antibiotics are effective in the treatment of scarlet fever. It kills the bacteria that causes the throat infection. It is important to prevent rheumatic fever, a serious complication of scarlet fever.
