What are the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever?
The most common sign of scarlet fever is a rash. The rash first appears as tiny red bumps on the neck, chest, and abdomen, and then spreads all over the body. It looks like sunburn and feels like a rough piece of sandpaper and may last for six days. After the rash is gone, the skin on the tips of the fingers and toes usually begins to peel. Your child may also have one or more of the following signs and symptoms: • Bright red lines under the arms and in the groin. The groin is the area where the upper leg and lower abdomen (stomach) meet. • Fever with chills. • Headache and body aches and pain. • Nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up). • Red and sore throat. The throat can also have white or yellow patches. • Strawberry tongue (swollen, red tongue). How is scarlet fever diagnosed? A throat culture is done to check for scarlet fever. Caregivers will swab the back of your child’s throat with a cotton swab. The swab is sent to a lab for tests. From the culture, caregivers will l
