Scarlet fever is a contagious bacterial infection that mostly affects young children. The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like, including a high temperature and sore throat. Scarlet fever was once considered a serious childhood illness, but now antibiotic treatments have made it easily treatable. It can, however, have serious complications if left untreated.

Symptoms of scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, are a red rash that looks sunburn but feels like sandpaper. It starts on the chest and tummy; on lighter skin it appears pink or red. On darker skin it may be difficult to see, but you will be able to feel it. The rash doesn’t spread to the face, although the cheeks will appear flushed. A white coating will appear on the tongue, this then peels, leaving the tongue swollen with the appearance of a strawberry.

Scarlet fever is caused by the same bacteria that caused strep throat. In scarlet fever the bacteria release a toxin that causes the rash. It spread between people via droplets expelled when a person coughs or sneezes. It can be passed easily between people in groups such as family members or classmates.

Left untreated the bacteria may spread, causing tonsillitis, ear infections or sinisitus. It could even spread to the blood, kidneys or lungs and in some rare cases it can lead to rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a serious condition that can affect the heart, joint, nervous system and skin.

There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever, but it is easily treated with a course of oral antibiotics, it is important to take the course as prescribed by your doctor even if you feel better, this will ensure the elimination of the infection. Children will be able to return to school 24 hours after the end of the treatment and no longer has a fever.