Scarlet Fever Rash - Symptoms, Treatment and Diagnosis

The sounds worse than it actually is in most cases. It's the rash sometimes associated with strep throat and can usually be easily treated with antibiotics. Not everyone who gets strep throat gets scarlet fever, but they are caused by the same bacteria and share symptoms.

What the Looks Like

As the name suggests, the is extremely red and has the appearance of a severe sunburn. In addition, it may be accompanied by small, itchy bumps or red stripes in creases (elbows, underarms, etc). The texture is like fine sandpaper. It may show up on the neck, cheeks, nose, and forehead first, before working its way down to the rest of the body. The area around the mouth typically is unaffected. Don't be alarmed if the skin that had the rash begins to peel after the rash is gone. The rash usually goes away by the sixth day, but peeling may continue.

Symptoms that Accompany the Rash

Scarlet fever is most commonly seen in children between two and ten years of age and is caused by the same bacteria, Streptococcus, that causes strep throat and impetigo. It is rarely seen in children over 10 or in adults. According to Kids Health, other symptoms that may show up along with the rash include:
Red, sore throatA fever of more than 101 degrees FahrenheitSwollen neck glandsTonsils and may have a white or red appearanceChillsNauseaBody achesNo appetiteCoating on the tongue that appears to be whitish or yellowishScarlet Fever and Strep Throat

Not all cases of strep throat are accompanied by scarlet fever. There are two reasons for this:
The individual may not be sensitive to the toxin the bacteria associated with strep creates.Not all of the bacteria that cause strep make the toxin that causes the rash.
If your child has the symptoms of scarlet fever and/or strep throat, don't wait for it to go away on its own. See a doctor for a diagnosis and antibiotics that can be used to treat the infection. A simple throat culture using a cotton swab will confirm the diagnosis.

Is It Contagious?

Scarlet fever, along with strep, is contageious. It can be transmitted from person to person by coughing, sneezing, and direct contact. Once a person has come into contact with the infection, the symptoms will normally appear in one to three days.

Treating Scarlet Fever

Once you've taken your child to the pediatrician, give him the prescribed medication (usually penicillin or erythromycin) and be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use lozenges to relieve the throat pain. Medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be used to treat the fever and pain, according to eMedicine Health. Be sure that you don't prematurely discontinue the course of antibiotics your doctor prescribed, even if you feel better.

If You Suspect Your Child Has Scarlet Fever

If your child has the telltale skin redness, red lines, tongue or throat coating, and pain, chances are he has scarlet fever. Take him to the doctor for a quick test to confirm the diagnosis and combine the medication from the doctor with plenty of rest and fluids. He should bounce back within about seven days, though the peeling skin could continue after that.