The tell-tale sign is one of the few separating scarlet fever from the common cold
Scarlet fever, predominantly affecting young children, may initially resemble a common cold until distinctive symptoms such as strawberry tongue and a bumpy rash emerge. The infection, while treatable with antibiotics, poses serious risks if left unchecked.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised awareness on social media, advising parents to watch for specific indicators of scarlet fever, including:
- A bumpy rash
- Strawberry tongue
- Fever
- Swollen tonsils
- Sore throat
The post stressed: “Scarlet Fever mostly affects young children and can become serious if left untreated. Antibiotics are effective at clearing it up. Call or message your GP if you spot these symptoms.”
Annually, around 30,000 cases are diagnosed according to Gov.uk figures. With most patients aged two to eight, according to the NHS.
The NHS cautions: “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. They can happen during or in the weeks after the infection.”
Potential complications include ear infections, throat abscesses, sinusitis, pneumonia, meningitis, and rheumatic fever. Typically, the rash associated with scarlet fever surfaces 12 to 48 hours following initial flu-like symptoms, beginning on the chest and stomach before spreading.
The condition will cause raised bumps, giving the skin a rough texture similar to sandpaper. These bumps can also spread to the tongue.
This is referred to as strawberry tongue due to the red, swollen appearance of the tongue, which is covered in bumps that can sometimes be white, resembling a strawberry. While the rash typically doesn’t extend to the face, it can cause the cheeks to appear redder than usual.
In some cases, the skin may begin to peel, much like after severe sunburn. This will result in the rash fading.
If you or your child are suspected of having scarlet fever, your GP will need to conduct tests, such as a blood test or a throat swab. If the test results are positive, antibiotics will likely be prescribed, which will aid in recovery and reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection.
You’ll generally be contagious for the duration of your illness and up to 24 hours after taking your first dose of antibiotics. While the infection usually lasts only a week, without antibiotics, you could remain contagious for up to three weeks after symptoms first appeared, according to NHS guidance.