Scarlet fever is a fever, rash, and strept infection symptoms from Group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus. The outcome for this illness is excellent if treated. Dr. Bornstein will discuss practical insights into understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments.
DEFINITION OF SCARLET FEVER:
Scarlet fever is a fever, rash, and associated symptoms due to a strept infection.
SYMPTOMS:
- Fever to 104 degrees
- Throat pain
- Malaise
- Red sandpaper rash on the body
CAUSE OF SCARLET FEVER:
A toxin released by Group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus.
CONTAGION:
Strept throat is contagious when one is exposed to the respiratory droplets of an infected person. Strept throat may or may not turn into scarlet fever. A person with strept throat is contagious until the person has been placed on an appropriate antibiotic for 24 hours. The incubation period is 2 to 3 days.
DIAGNOSIS:
A physician will identify symptoms, plus a strept test that confirms strept throat.
TREATMENT FOR SCARLET FEVER:
Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin.
OUTCOME:
The outcome of scarlet fever is excellent with treatment. If this is left untreated, it can progress to rheumatic fever or kidney disease.
DISCUSSION:
A toxin released by the streptococcus bacterium causes scarlet fever. This illness can present with fevers of up to 104 degrees, chills, sore throat, and a characteristic rash. The throat is usually red and inflamed. The tongue is typically white at first (white strawberry tongue), then turns very red and looks like a strawberry (red strawberry tongue). The rash feels like sandpaper when you rub the skin.
A throat culture or rapid strept test is done to determine whether a person has strept throat. Scarlet fever can also occur after strept infections of the skin, such as impetigo. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment with penicillin or amoxicillin will quickly alleviate the symptoms. In patients allergic to these drugs, other antibiotics can be used. With treatment, the outcome is excellent.
ONE DOCTOR’S OPINION ABOUT SCARLET FEVER:
This rash looks like so many other rashes in children; however, this rash is the only one that feels like sandpaper when touched. Any time a child comes in with a rash and sore throat, I run a strept test to check for scarlet fever or scarlitiniform rash. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment is easy and symptoms resolve quickly.
If a child has a history of strept throat or impetigo, this rash can develop, but the strept test may be negative. This makes definitive diagnosis more difficult. However, there are other lab tests—antistreptolysin O (ASO titer) or antiDNase B (ADB titer)—that tell if there has been a previous strept infection. If either of these blood tests are positive, then the child can start treatment.
This blog was written by Dr. Michael Bornstein, who has 30 years of experience as a pediatrician.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Please note that all images belong to their original owners. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
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