Who's affected?Scarlet fever is caused by group A streptococcal bacteria and can affect people of any age. However, it's most common between the ages of six and 12. What are the symptoms?The main symptoms include a sore throat and headache, fever, vomiting and swollen neck glands. The tongue develops a thick, white coating, which peels after four or five days leaving it swollen with a red, 'strawberry' appearance.
 The rash usually develops around the second day of infection
The rash usually develops around the second day of infection. It's caused by toxins released during the condition and tends to look like bad sunburn. It may itch and feels like sandpaper with tiny bumps. It first appears on the neck, before spreading to the chest and back, then to the rest of the body. It fades around six days after the onset of sore throat symptoms. The skin affected by the rash may peel, particularly around the fingertips, toes and groin. Complications are rare, but they can include: - Acute rheumatic fever
- Ear infection (otitis media)
- Adenitis or abscess
- Pneumonia
- Kidney damage
- Meningitis
Early treatment will reduce the risk of complications. How can I prevent it?A person can become infected with streptococcus by touch or through airborne droplets. Not all streptococci produce this toxin, however, and not everyone is sensitive to it. Only those who are sensitive to the toxin are likely to develop the rash. To minimise your risk, avoid contact with the infected person. If this can't be avoided, wash your hands regularly. What's the treatment?Get plenty of rest and take fluids, painkillers and medication to reduce the fever. You may also prefer to eat soft foods if you have a sore throat. Treatment is with antibiotics, usually penicillin.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Orlena Kerek in March 2009
Disclaimer
All content within BBC Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the BBC Health website. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. See our Links Policy for more
information. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
|
|
