Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness which causes a distinctive pink-red rash. It is caused by infection from a bacteria known as haemolytic streptococci, which belong to the streptococcus bacteria group.
Scarlet fever usually follows a sore throat (strep throat) or skin infection (impetigo) caused by particular strains of streptococcus bacteria. The scarlet fever rash occurs when the bacteria release toxins that make the skin go red.
The disease is very contagious. It can be caught by breathing in the bacteria in airborne droplets from an infected person's coughs and sneezes (see Causes, above, for more information).
Scarlet fever is also known as scarlatina, though this sometimes refers to a mild form of the disease.
Nowadays, scarlet fever is rare in the UK because of the regular use of antibiotics for strep infections.
What are the symptoms?
The characteristic symptom of scarlet fever is a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch. It may start in one place, but soon spreads to many parts of the body, such as the ears, neck and chest. It may itch.
The person will develop a flushed, red face, hence the name scarlet fever.
Other symptoms include swollen neck glands, especially if you have a sore throat, and generally feeling unwell (see Symptoms, above).
It takes around one to four days to develop symptoms after being infected.
Who is affected?
Anybody can catch scarlet fever, but it usually affects children aged between four and eight. Because it is so contagious, scarlet fever is likely to affect those who are in close contact with someone who has strep throat or a streptococcal skin infection, and those who live in a crowded environment, such as day care.
Most children over 10 will have developed immunity (resistance) to the toxins from streptococcal bacteria and children under two will have acquired immunity from their mothers.
Outlook
Although scarlet fever used to be a very serious disease, most cases today are mild.
Scarlet fever is easily treatable with antibiotics, which must be taken for 10 days. Most people recover after four to five days (see Treatment, above, for more information).
There is no evidence that catching scarlet fever when pregnant will put your baby at risk. Pregnant women should inform healthcare staff if they are in contact with streptococcal infections, such as scarlet fever, around the time of their delivery.
