Parents have been warned that ‘it’s important to get it treated’ to avoid any complications
People with young children have been urged to stay alert for a condition that could cause them to turn red. Taking quick action can prevent any of the rare but possible complications, and knowing what symptoms to watch out for is key.
Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that typically infects young children – particularly those between the ages of two and eight – but can also infect adults, too. According to the NHS, the disease is “very infectious and can easily spread to other people” without proper precautions.
Scarlet fever can last for around a week. If you do not take antibiotics, you can spread the infection for two to three weeks after your symptoms start, making it hard to contain an outbreak without proper care and attention.
In a fresh warning, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said: “Scarlet fever is common in young children and usually mild, but it’s important to get it treated so it doesn’t become something more serious. If you spot the symptoms below, contact your GP practice.”
There are five key signs that you or your child may be suffering from scarlet fever that people will often spot within the first few days of being infected. The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).
A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. According to the NHS, the rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper.
On white skin, the rash looks pink or red. On darker skin, it might be harder to see a change in colour, but you will still be able to feel the rash and see the raised bumps.
A white coating also appears on the tongue. This peels, leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in little bumps – sometimes refered to as ‘strawberry tongue’.
Scarlet fever can be a serious illness, but thanks to antibiotics, it’s less common than it used to be and easier to treat. Complications from scarlet fever are rare, but they can happen during or in the weeks after the infection.
Scarlet fever symptoms:
- ear infection
- throat abscess
- sinusitis
- pneumonia
- meningitis
- rheumatic fever
If you have, or suspect you have, a case of scarlet fever on your hands, see a GP. But, check with the practice before you go in, as they may suggest a phone consultation instead to limit the risk of spreading the illness.
A GP will prescribe antibiotics to help you get better quicker. Taking these will also make it less likely that you’ll pass the infection on to someone else, and also limit the chance of the condition developing into something more serious.