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Scarlet fever - Symptom

Alternative Names

Scarlatina

Symptoms:

The time between becoming infected and having symptoms is short, generally 1 - 2 days. The illness typically begins with a fever and sore throat.

The rash usually first appears on the neck and chest, then spreads over the body. It is described as "sandpapery" in feel. The texture of the rash is more important than the appearance in confirming the diagnosis. The rash can last for more than a week. As the rash fades, peeling (desquamation) may occur around the fingertips, toes, and groin area.

Other symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Bright red color in the creases of the underarm and groin (Pastia's lines)
Chills
Fever
General discomfort (malaise)
Headache
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Swollen, red tongue (strawberry tongue)
Vomiting

Signs and tests:

Physical examination
Throat culture positive for Group A Strep
Rapid antigen detection (throat swab)

Signs of scarlet fever

Normal lungs and alveoli

Reviewed last on: 8/12/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gerber MA. Group A Streptococcus. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 182.

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