What type of pathogen causes scarlet fever

The symptoms of scarlet fever usually develop two to five days after infection, although the incubation period the period between exposure to the infection and symptoms appearing can be as short as one day or as long as seven days. The rash feels like sandpaper to touch and it may be itchy. On darker skin the rash may be more difficult to see although its rough texture should be apparent.

Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but if you think you or your child may have it, see your GP for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your GP should be able to diagnose scarlet fever by examining the distinctive rash and asking about other symptoms. They may also decide to take a sample of saliva from the back of the throat so it can be tested in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

There's no evidence to suggest that catching scarlet fever when pregnant will put your baby at risk. However, if you're heavily pregnant, tell the doctors and midwives in charge of your care if you've been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever.

It can also be caught from carriers — people who have the bacteria in their throat or on their skin but don't have any symptoms.

However, people of any age can get the illness. As it's so contagious, scarlet fever is likely to affect someone in close contact with a person with a sore throat or skin infection caused by streptococcus bacteria. Outbreaks often occur in nurseries and schools where children are in close contact with one another.

The symptoms of scarlet fever will only develop in people susceptible to toxins produced by the streptococcus bacteria. Most children over 10 years of age will have developed immunity to these toxins.

It can easily be treated with antibiotics. Liquid antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are often used to treat children. These must be taken for 10 days, even though most people recover after four to five days. It's important to be aware that your child will still be infectious for 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has begun, and therefore they shouldn't attend nursery or school during this period see below.

Read more about treating scarlet fever. With the right treatment, further problems are unlikely. However, there's a small risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body and causing more serious infections, such as an ear infection , sinusitis , or pneumonia. Read more about complications of scarlet fever. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them away from nursery or school for at least 24 hours after starting treatment with antibiotics.

Adults with the illness should also stay off work for at least 24 hours after starting treatment. GPs, schools and nurseries should be aware of the current high levels of scarlet fever and inform local health protection teams if they become aware of cases, particularly if more than one child is affected.

Children and adults should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and wash their hands with soap and water after using or disposing of tissues. However, the incubation period the time between exposure to the infection and symptoms starting can be as short as one day or as long as seven days.

The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat , headache , high temperature The distinctive pink-red rash develops 12 to 48 hours later. Red blotches are the first sign of the rash.

These turn into a fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch and looks like sunburn. It may also be itchy. The rash usually starts on the chest and stomach, but soon spreads to other parts of the body, such as the ears, neck, elbows, inner thighs and groin.

Treatment normally involves a day course of oral antibiotics, usually penicillin. The fever will usually go within 12 to 24 hours of taking the first antibiotic medication, and patients normally recover 4 to 5 days after starting the treatment.

It is important to take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms go away before it is finished. This is necessary to get rid of the infection and reduce the risk of post-strep disorders developing. If the patient does not start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, they should contact a doctor. The patient is no longer contagious 24 hours after antibiotics begin, but they should stay at home for the full course of antibiotics.

It is important to drink plenty of liquids, especially if there is no appetite. The environment should be kept cool. Tylenol , acetaminophen , and calamine lotion are available for purchase online. The following complications are possible but very rare :. Another risk is known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal PANDAS infections.

Some research has indicated that strep bacterial infection may trigger an autoimmune response that worsens symptoms of certain childhood disorders. Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium. Streptococcal bacteria are extremely contagious and can spread through airborne….

There is a huge variety of rashes that can vary significantly in appearance. Some may appear in small patches on the body, and others may spread…. Strep throat can be a nasty illness, often with pus at the back of the throat and a fever, but not usually a cough, runny nose, or watery eyes, as…. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory reaction. It occurs when infections, including those that cause strep throat and scarlet fever, go untreated….

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that is most common in young children. It causes blistering. Here, learn about the symptoms and…. Scarlet fever germs spread more easily among people in close contact, such as family members or classmates. There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever.

The best prevention strategies for scarlet fever are the same as the standard precautions against infections:. If your child has scarlet fever, wash his or her drinking glasses, utensils, and, if possible, toys in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Scarlet fever Open pop-up dialog box Close. Scarlet fever The red rash of scarlet fever usually begins on the face or neck, later spreading to the chest, trunk, arms and legs.

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