Scarlet Fever Symptoms

The Streptococcus bacteria produces a certain toxin that causes the typical scarlet – colored rash that is seen in all patients suffering from this illness. However, not all ‘strep’ bacteria produce these toxins and not every child will be sensitive to it. Two children in the same family might both have strep infections, but only the child who is more sensitive to the toxin will develop the rashes, while the other child will not suffer from scarlet fever. Under normal circumstances, children showing all the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever (rashes and symptoms of strep throat) are usually treated successfully with the help of antibiotics. So, if you suspect that your child is suffering from scarlet fever, then it is advisable to consult with your family doctor as soon as possible.

The rashes usually turn up only after the strep infection in the throat has taken place, which is also known as strep pharyngitis or strep throat. Years ago, scarlet fever was very common amongst children aged between 2 yrs to 10 yrs, but now it has become relatively rare, what with all the vaccines and antibiotics and the overall advancements in medicine out there.

But medicines apart, the reason for the decrease in the number of scarlet fever cases is still a mystery, especially when you take into consideration the fact there has been no actual decrease in the number of children suffering from strep throat or strep infections. A medical mystery to say the least!

What are the Symptoms of Scarlet Fever?
Of course, the scarlet rash is by far the most striking symptom of scarlet fever. It starts off looking like a bad case of sunburn and usually has tiny bumps on it and can very itchy. The rash will first appear on the face and neck and often leaves a very distinct unaffected area around the mouth. It will then spread to the back and chest and then to the rest of the body.

In the body creases, especially around the elbows and underarms, the rash is formed in red streaks. Some parts of the rash will turn white under pressure. By the end of the first week of the infection, the rash will appear to fade, but the skin that was affected will begin to peel off in bunches.

Apart from the rash, there are a number of other symptoms to confirm that the person is suffering from scarlet fever. These are:

• Reddened sore throat
• High fever (101° Fahrenheit and above)
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Headaches
• The area around the mouth will be pale
• Strawberry tongue appearance – the tongue will have a white coating on it and will be covered with red dots.
• Pastia’s line – darkening of body creases, especially the underarms and elbows.

The tonsils will become enlarged and will be covered with a peculiar white coating or could even be dotted with yellowish or whitish specks of pus. In the beginning stages of the infection, the tongue may either have a yellowish or whitish coating.

A child suffering from scarlet fever will complain about body aches, chills, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite. When the fever occurs because of a strep throat, then typically it will stop anywhere within 3-5 days and the sore throat will pass soon afterwards.

In certain rare cases, scarlet fever can also be brought on by strep skin infections like impetigo. In such cases, the child will not suffer from a sore throat. With suitable antibiotic treatment, the rashes and infection will be cured with a special ten-day course of medication, but it could anywhere from weeks to months for the swollen glands and tonsils to return to normal.

If at all you feel that someone you know is suffering from any of these symptoms, and you suspect the involvement of scarlet fever, then it is best to take the concerned person for a check up - otherwise he or she is going to be in a lot of pain and discomfort within the next few days itself!