Scarlet fever is a common illness among children. It usually occurs after a group A streptococcus (“strep”) throat infection, but it also can be caused by a strep skin infection. The bacteria that cause the strep throat or skin infection release a toxin, which creates a red rash that looks like sandpaper (which is where the name of the disease comes from). The rash can feel rough and dry on the fingertips, and it may peel over time, especially on the folds of the skin in the neck and groin. The rash is less visible on darker skin tones.
How long does scarlet fever last?
In most cases, scarlet fever is spread through close contact with an infected person. This can include touching an infected person, sharing drinking glasses or utensils, or being near someone who is coughing or sneezing. It’s also possible to catch scarlet fever by inhaling scarlatina poze droplets released when an infected person is talking or coughing.
Antibiotics are the main treatment for scarlet fever, and most kids get better quickly after starting antibiotics. They should stay home from school or nursery until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours, and adults should stay off work until they’ve completed a course of medication. Kids who don’t get treated are at increased risk of developing complications, including otitis media; mastoiditis; sinusitis; peritonsillar abscess; endocarditis; and retropharyngeal abscess. They are also more likely to infect others.