Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis), accompanied by a red skin rash.

Overview

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis), accompanied by a red skin rash. It is a typical childhood illness but can in some few cases also affect adults. The disease is almost always treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

  • Sore throat and headache
  • Coughing
  • Red back of throat and pain when swallowing
  • High fever
  • Pink-red skin rash which starts on the body and throat and then spreads to the legs and arms
    • Frequently, no rash around the mouth and chin
    • Scaling can occur after a few days, in particular on the palms and soles of the feet

Other symptoms

Complications

Causes and treatment

Causes

  • Group A streptococci bacteria
    • The same pathogen that causes “tonsillitis”
    • Certain strains produce toxins (exotoxins) that also cause a skin rash

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests
  • Quick test to identify the bacteria (swab)
  • Blood test (inflammatory markers)
Possible therapies
  • Antibiotics
  • Painkillers

What can I do myself?

  • Bed rest
  • Gargle (e.g. with sage tea)
  • Cold throat compresses (e.g. quark, lemon, onion poultices)
  • Milk with honey

When to see a doctor?

  • Fever of higher than 40 degrees
  • Light-headedness, cramps, stiff neck
  • Bleeding into the skin (dark red spots)

Exclusion of liability

CSS offers no guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information. The information published is no substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

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