Scarlet fever is an infectious disease that chiefly affects children. Its name comes from the bright red skin rash that develops during the illness. Scarlet fever was once a serious and widespread disease. Since the 1950’s, the disease has become less common in many countries.
Causes.
Scarlet fever is associated with bacterial infections of the throat or skin. These infections are caused by bacteria called group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (see Streptococcus). Scarlet fever results if the bacteria produce a toxin (poison) that affects the skin, the surface of the tongue, and the throat.
Symptoms.
When scarlet fever occurs along with strep throat, the first symptoms are those of the throat infection. These include sore throat, fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The scarlet fever rash generally becomes noticeable within two days after the illness begins. It resembles red goose pimples. It may spread over most of the body except the face. The tongue becomes extremely red, a condition called strawberry tongue.
After several days, the skin peels, particularly on the fingers, palms, toes, and soles of the feet. The surface of the tongue also peels, leaving a rough, red surface called raspberry tongue. In most cases, all signs of the disease disappear within two weeks.
The first symptoms of scarlet fever associated with skin infections vary according to the type of skin disorder. In the past, many cases followed the streptococcal infection of wounds. Today, most cases are associated with chickenpox or with streptococcal impetigo. After scarlet fever symptoms begin, most cases resemble a milder version of the disease that is associated with streptococcal throat infections.
Complications.
Some scarlet fever victims later develop serious complications, particularly rheumatic fever or a kidney disease called acute glomerulonephritis (see Rheumatic fever; Nephritis). Acute glomerulonephritis may occur following scarlet fever associated with either throat or skin infections, but rheumatic fever rarely develops after skin infections.
Treatment.
Physicians generally prescribe penicillin to treat scarlet fever. This antibiotic kills the streptococci. Such treatment eliminates the danger of rheumatic fever but does not always prevent acute glomerulonephritis. Other medications can relieve such symptoms as fever, headache, itching, nausea, or vomiting. Patients with scarlet fever should stay indoors for one day after beginning penicillin treatment. This reduces the risk of spreading the disease.
