Strep Throat With a Rash

Strep throat rash is nothing but, a symptom of scarlet fever, which is almost always accompanied by a strep or sore throat. Both strep throat and scarlet fever are caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. The disease got its name for the striking scarlet colored skin rash that develops on the entire body, along with strep throat. The characteristics skin rash of scarlet fever develops, when the infectious bacteria release toxins in the blood. The toxins can produce allergic reactions in the body, which can manifest in skin rash, first in the neck and the face, and then on the chest and back. Gradually, the rash spreads to the entire body and disappear in about 5 days. Scarlet fever or scarlatina have been found to more commonly affect the children in the age group of 5 to 15 years. However, it should be kept in mind that not all the cases of strep throat lead to scarlet fever.

Causes of Strep Throat and Rash
As has been mentioned already, strep throat and rash accompanying it are caused by Streptococcus bacteria, mainly Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. But, scarlet fever develops, only when the particular strain of the bacteria release toxins in the body. It can take about 2 to 4 days to develop scarlatina from the time of exposure to the bacteria. Rarely, it can also develop due to skin infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria can enter the body through any cut, scrape or burn injury and then cause skin rash. However, such skin rash is not accompanied by the typical symptoms of strep throat.

Is Strep Rash Contagious?
It is contagious. The bacteria reside in the nose and throat of the infected person and then, spread through direct contact or through the air, when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Even after receiving treatment, the infected person can spread the disease up to 24 hours.

Strep Rash Symptoms
The most important and distinguishing symptom of this condition is the skin rash, that initially looks like sunburn. The affected skin becomes quite rough to touch and you feel like as if touching a sandpaper. The rash following strep throat can affect almost all parts of the body, excepting the palms, soles and the skin around the mouth. After a few days, the skin of the affected area starts to peel. Skin flaking or peeling can last for several days. Apart from these, some other common symptoms of scarlet fever are as follows:

• Sore Throat
• Flushed Cheeks
• Swelling and redness of the throat
• Red dots on the back of the throat
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Enlarged tonsils, covered with yellow or gray spots or coating
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck region
• A very red colored tongue with red dots on the surface (strawberry appearance)
• Darkening of the skin creases or Pastia's lines, especially in the underarms, elbows, neck and groin areas

Strep Rash Treatment
Diagnosis of scarlet fever is carried out with the help of blood tests, throat culture, rapid antigen test and rapid DNA test. Both strep throat and scarlet fever are treated with antibiotics. The antibiotics that more commonly used for the treatment include, penicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin and azithromycin. In the meantime, drink plenty of water and also gargle several time a day with saline water, to alleviate the soreness of the throat. Even taking warm water or liquids like, soup can soothe a sore throat.

If left untreated, it can lead to certain serious complications like, rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis, meningitis, sepsis i.e. infection of blood and erythema nodosum. As the disease is contagious, it is very important to prevent its transmission by maintaining proper hygiene, and covering the mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing. At the same time, inform your physician, as prompt treatment can effectively cure the disease and prevent the associated complications.