What kind of disease is scarlet fever

However, the rash can appear before illness or up to 7 days later. The rash may first appear on the neck, underarm, and groin the area where your stomach meets your thighs. Over time, the rash spreads over the body. The rash usually begins as small, flat blotches that slowly become fine bumps that feel like sandpaper.

Although the cheeks might look flushed rosy , there may be a pale area around the mouth. Underarm, elbow, and groin skin creases may become brighter red than the rest of the rash. The rash from scarlet fever fades in about 7 days. As the rash fades, the skin may peel around the fingertips, toes, and groin area.

This peeling can last up to several weeks. Anyone can get scarlet fever, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this infection. Scarlet fever, like strep throat , is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old. It is rare in children younger than 3 years old. Adults who are at increased risk for scarlet fever include:.

Close contact with another person with scarlet fever is the most common risk factor for illness. For example, if someone has scarlet fever, it often spreads to other people in their household. Infectious illnesses tend to spread wherever large groups of people gather together. Crowded conditions can increase the risk of getting a group A strep infection. These settings include:. Many viruses and bacteria can cause an illness that includes a red rash and sore throat.

Only a rapid strep test or a throat culture can determine if group A strep are the cause. A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and testing the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep are causing the illness. If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe antibiotics. Fever of unknown origin FUO refers to elevated body temperature for which a cause is not found after basic medical evaluation. Strep throat is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications.

Learn how to avoid, recognize, and treat strep throat. It's common for children to have minor colds and growing pains, but some physical symptoms can be a sign of a more serious health condition. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Strep throat rash Other symptoms Causes Is it contagious? Risk factors Complications Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Home remedies We include products we think are useful for our readers. What is scarlet fever?

Strep throat rash. Share on Pinterest. Other symptoms of scarlet fever. Cause of scarlet fever. Is scarlet fever contagious? Risk factors for scarlet fever.

Complications associated with scarlet fever. Diagnosing scarlet fever. Treatment for scarlet fever. Preventing scarlet fever. Managing your symptoms. Read this next.

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Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, MD. How to Handle School Sick Days. Medically reviewed by Tyler Walker, MD. Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M. Fever of Unknown Origin. Children with scarlet fever should stay home from school or daycare until they no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Disease or Condition of the Week.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Scarlet Fever [[skahr-lit] [fee-ver]]. Minus Related Pages. What to Expect. Long-term Health Problems.