What is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by a strep infection. In the past, it meant certain death, but the good news is that, for the last hundred years, it can easily be treated by antibiotics. Find out more about scarlet fever.

Before the 1920s, scarlet fever was one of the most serious and deadly illnesses and was responsible for the deaths of many children. A vaccine for the disease was developed in 1924 but administering this was negated following the advent of antibiotics, which are now used to treat the condition, making it far less dangerous than it used to be. Scarlet fever is basically a ‘strep’ throat infection (caused by type A streptococcal bacteria) that is accompanied by a rash. The disease gets its name from the reddening of the affected person’s skin when the bacteria in the throat release toxins into the blood. Scarlet fever is a communicable disease, meaning that it is infective. If your child has scarlet fever, they probably caught it from another child, by either breathing in infected droplets that have been coughed into the air, by sharing a drinking vessel or utensil, or by coming into contact with something that the infected child has handled, such as a toy. Scarlet fever can affect adults, but its incidence is less common than in children as the adult immune system is more developed. The statistics show that the median age for developing Scarlet fever is 6 years.

What are the Scarlet Fever Symptoms

Scarlet fever generally starts off with a sore throat, headache, and fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Centigrade) or higher. The other symptoms that a child with scarlet fever may exhibit include:

• A white or yellowish coating tongue which may later turn red. These bumps may appear quite large, giving the condition the name ‘strawberry tongue’.
• A coating on their tonsils and back of their throat may also be coated, or red and swollen tonsils.
• A flushed face with a pale mouth area
• Chills, shivers, aches, swollen glands, lethargy
• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
• A rash, which usually begins as a mass of tiny red spots in the armpits, neck, chest and groin area. These commonly appear on the second day and typically last about two to five days, spreading progressively to other parts of the body. The bumps feel like fine sandpaper and may itch. In the creases of the body, such as around the underarms, the inside of the elbows, and the groin, the rash can form red streaks, which are called ‘Pastia’s lines’ As the rash fades, skin peeling may occur, especially on the hands, feet and in the groin area.

Making a child with scarlet fever comfortable

A child with scarlet fever will probably have a high temperature so it’s important that they have a good fluid intake, as they will be more prone to becoming dehydrated. Eating may well be painful for them because of their strep throat, so soft foods and soups will probably be easier to manage than more solid meals.

Reducing the risk of spreading the infection

Twenty-four hours after your child has been diagnosed with scarlet fever and has started their course of antibiotics, they won’t be infectious. Within that first 24 hours you should take sensible precautions by separating their drinking glasses, cups, utensils, sheets, towels, toys and other shared objects from those of other family members. These items should be thoroughly washed in hot water with detergent and anyone handling them should wash their hands frequently. Any family members exhibiting symptoms such as a sore throat (with or without a rash) should be tested for strep infection.