What should you know about impetigo and scarlet fever?

Impetigo is a contagious infection of the outer skin. It often causes small sores that break, ooze and form yellow-brown crusts, commonly around the nose, mouth or exposed skin. Scarlet fever is an illness caused by toxin-producing bacteria, often alongside strep throat. It can bring fever, sore throat, swollen glands and a fine rough rash that spreads across the body. A person can have a skin infection without scarlet fever, and a rash or sore throat has several possible causes, so appearance alone cannot confirm either condition.

Arrange medical assessment when a child or adult has spreading crusted sores, fever with a rough rash, or a sore throat with swollen glands. Follow the prescribed antibiotic treatment exactly if one is recommended, and do not share medicines. Wash hands, avoid picking sores, cover lesions when possible, and keep towels, clothing and bedding separate. Encourage fluids and rest. Ask the clinician when the person can return to school, nursery or work, because contagiousness depends on the diagnosis and treatment.

Seek prompt care for fever with a spreading rash, worsening throat pain, difficulty swallowing or tender swollen glands. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, severe drowsiness, confusion, dehydration, a rapidly spreading painful skin area or swelling around the eyes. A clinician should review symptoms that are not improving, recur after treatment or affect someone with reduced immunity.

Ask which infection is most likely, whether a throat or skin test is useful, which symptoms should improve first, how long to avoid close contact, and whether household members need assessment.