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What Is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is one of those childhood diseases that have been tamed by antibiotics. Once it was a common and deadly illness. Today it is rare and easily managed — if recognized and treated.
The disease occurs mostly in children between the ages of 2 and 10 years. It's caused by infection with group A streptococcal bacteria - the same bacteria that causes strep throat. Symptoms typically appear three days after exposure to another person with the illness, although this incubation period can be anywhere from one to seven days.

Scarlet fever typically starts with a very high fever of up to 104°F and a sore throat. These early symptoms are followed by nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. Twelve hours to two days later a distinctive scarlet rash appears — first on the neck and chest and then all over the body. The rash feels like sandpaper. In areas of skin folds — the armpits and the creases at the elbows and the groin — the rash has a bright red color. The tongue also becomes swollen and turns bright red. After three days the rash and fever usually disappear, but the tongue may remain swollen for several more days.

As the rash fades, there may be peeling around the tips of the fingers and toes and in the groin area.

CAUTION! — Seek Treatment

Unlike certain other childhood diseases such as rubella and measles, scarlet fever cannot be left to run its course. It must be treated or it can lead to arthritis, jaundice (yellow tint to the skin that's indicative of red blood cell damage or liver problems), kidney problems, and rheumatic fever (inflammation of the joints and heart valves).

What Causes It?

Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that is caused by streptococcal bacteria. It is spread by contact with an infected person or inhalation of the bacteria. Once inside the pharynx or throat, the bacteria multiply and produce a toxin that circulates in the blood and causes the symptoms.