scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a relatively rare infection. It affects people who have a throat or skin infection caused by certain strains of group A streptococcus bacteria.

 

Scarlet fever usually occurs after a throat infection with Streptococcus bacteria, such as strep throat. However, it may also occur after a strep infection of the skin, soft tissues, uterus, or a surgical wound.

 

 

 

The rash associated with scarlet fever usually starts on the neck, chest, armpits, and groin. Within a day, it can spread to the rest of the body. The rash is generally made up of a series of tiny pinkish-red spots and feels like sandpaper. About a week later, the rash usually peels off, much as the top layer of skin does after a sunburn.

 

Other signs and symptoms include:

 

Scarlet fever is caused by an infection with a strain of strep bacteria that makes the scarlet fever toxin. Strep throat is usually spread person to person through coughing or sneezing. Strep skin infections are usually caused by contact with infected skin.

Early treatment of strep infections with antibiotics can prevent this condition. Scarlet fever was much more common before antibiotics were widely used. Avoiding contact with people with sore throats may also decrease the risk.

Diagnosis of scarlet fever begins with a medical history and physical exam. The American Heart Association guidelines recommend that a throat culture be performed to confirm the diagnosis. A throat culture is done by swabbing the back of the throat to get a sample of the bacteria growing there. The swab is then put into a special container that allows bacteria to grow. This culture may take up to 24 hours to grow bacteria. With another test called ELISA, or quick strep, the diagnosis can often be made from the swab within a few minutes. Other tests may include a complete blood cell count to check for signs of infection in the blood.