Facts
Scarlet fever is a throat and skin infection, which is caused by the Group A streptococci bacteria.
The streptococci bacteria produce a toxin which can produce a rash in sensitive babies and toddlers.
Scarlet fever was once a very serious disease, but now with antibiotics, it is no longer the threat to babies and children it used to be.
Scarlet fever is also known as “strep throat” and can either be very mild or very serious.
Incubation period
Incubation period
The incubation period is the length of time it takes from being infected by someone else with Scarlet fever, to showing symptoms. It will take 2-7 days before you show any symptoms.
Scarlet fever has an incubation period of: 2-7 days
Catching Scarlet fever
How do you get Scarlet fever?
You can catch Scarlet fever by:
- breathing in tiny infected droplets from infected people, when they cough or sneeze
Symptoms
Symptoms of Scarlet fever
- Sore throat – red, sore throat, sore tonsils, high fever
- White tongue – with red spots/bumps (“white strawberry tongue”) and after 4-5 days, the white coating on the tongue peels off, which leaves the tongue looking bright red (“red strawberry tongue”)
- Rash – usually starts on the face and neck, but can occur on the rest of the body too. When pressed, rash turns white
- Peeling skin – as the rash fades, this can cause the skin to get dry and peel
Treatment
Treatment of Scarlet fever
- See a doctor – any child with suspected Scarlet fever needs to see a doctor who can perform an examination to diagnose this condition
- Antibiotics – the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for this bacterial condition and to prevent further complications
- Rest – the child should rest to help the body heal itself
- Fluids – plenty of fluids (water, natural juice)
- Soft foods – if eating is painful, provide soups and shakes or yogurt/ice cream (foods that are easy on the throat)
- Lotion – the doctor will prescribe a lotion for relieving any itching of the rash spots (calamine lotion, paste of bicarbonate of soda mixed with water, watered down lavender oil)
- Cool bath – a cool bath with oatmeal and bicarbonate of soda added may help to reduce itchiness
- Medication – the doctor may advise giving the baby paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the fever
Complications
Complications
- ear infection.
- throat abscess.
- sinusitis.
- pneumonia.
- meningitis.
- rheumatic fever
There are some major long term effects possible after a Scarlet fever infection:
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- sinus, skin and ear infections
- pockets of pus, or abscesses, around the tonsils
- rheumatic fever, which affects the heart
- pneumonia, a lung infection
- arthritis or joint inflammation
- post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney disease
Scarlet fever doesn’t normally cause any complications.
These complications generally occur only in children (and adults) who may have a very impaired immune system.
Vaccination
Vaccination
There’s currently no vaccine for scarlet fever.
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them away from childcare, kindergarten or school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics treatment.
Adults with the illness should also stay off work for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics treatment.
Risk
Reducing risk of infection
Strategies to reduce infection:
- if your child gets Scarlet fever, keep them away from school and other children
- discuss the Scarlet fever infection with your doctor
- ensure you and your child/children wash hands with a sanitising hand soap
- wash toys and clothes in detergent that has a sanitising effect
- wipe down surfaces with a 70% alcohol solution
- don’t share eating utensils, linens, towels or other personal items with anyone else
References
References
- Scarlet fever. CDC USA. Accessed 9 July 2024
Last reviewed and updated: 9 July 2024
