What should you know about RCH scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is usually linked to infection with the bacteria that cause strep throat. Children may develop a sore throat, fever, swollen glands, headache, nausea or a fine rough rash that can feel like sandpaper. The tongue may look unusually red, and the rash can be more noticeable in skin folds. A rash with fever has several possible causes, so a clinician may examine the throat and decide whether testing is needed.

Arrange a clinical assessment if scarlet fever is suspected. If antibiotic treatment is prescribed, give it exactly as directed and complete the course unless the prescriber changes it. Encourage fluids and offer suitable comfort measures for fever or throat pain according to professional advice. Wash hands, avoid sharing cups and towels, and follow local guidance about returning to school or childcare. Keep the child away from close contact while they are unwell and follow the clinician’s advice about contagiousness.

Seek urgent help if a child has trouble breathing or swallowing, drools because swallowing is difficult, becomes unusually drowsy, develops a stiff neck, has signs of dehydration, or rapidly worsens. Contact the clinician if symptoms do not improve as expected, fever returns, or a new symptom appears after treatment. Babies and children with significant long-term conditions may need earlier advice.

Ask whether the throat needs testing, which medicine and dose are appropriate, when the child can return to school, and what to do if a dose is missed. Ask how to recognise dehydration or an allergic reaction to treatment.