Scarlet fever is highly contagious and, if not treated with antibiotics, can be infectious for two to three weeks after the onset of symptoms (with antibiotics it remains infectious for 24 hours after starting treatment).
It occurs generally in children but not all children show symptoms, but can still infect others.
There is seasonal variations and there are sometimes outbreaks in schools or other institutions (crowded areas).
Scarlet fever is usually a mild, self-limiting disease that lasts around one week. After the rash is resolved, skin peeling (desquamation) of the tips of the finger digits and, to a lesser extent, the limbs and trunk occurs.
Patients with four of these signs have a 25–86% chance of GAS infection; conversely, patients with one of these signs have a 2–23% chance of GAS infection (depending on age, local prevalence and seasonal variation) and other diagnoses should be considered.
The score is not validated for use in children under three years of age.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Management of sore throat and indications for tonsillectomy. A national clinical guideline. SIGN Guideline 117. Edinburgh: SIGN 2010.
Direct contact: When affected person sneezes or coughs, Saliva contact via kissing
Passed through shared drinks and utensils that may have saliva from an infected person on them
Touching infected skin
Source: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk
Source: http://www.techtimes.com
Source: www.healthfit24.com
Source: AboutKidsHealth Pastia lines
Source: https://planetradio.co.uk
Symptoms
High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours and approximately 12-48 hours later a rash appears?
Ear infection (earache longer than four days) or an ear discharge?
Red blotches rash (like boiled lobster appearance) which turns into a fine pink-red (sunburn) rash with goose pimples that when touched feels like sandpaper (can cover whole body)?
Rash start from one place and spread, on the face, cheeks, appears flushed and area around mouth pale and or ‘strawberry tongue’ (rash will last approximately 6 days)?
Pastia lines (red streak appearance where skin folds due to broken blood vessels) i.e. armpits, groin, under the stomach, fingers and toes (which can be there up to six weeks)?
Peeling skin (on hands and feet can last up to six weeks)?
Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Scarlett Fever (Scarlatina) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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