Quick version
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that can affect both adults and children. The disease is transmitted via droplets or direct contact and has an incubation period of 2–4 days. Typical symptoms include sore throat, fever, red rash and scaly skin. Early treatment with antibiotics shortens the course of the disease and reduces the risk of complications.
Do you suspect scarlet fever? Seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Prompt intervention can prevent serious complications.
What is scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus. It most often affects children aged 5–15 years, but adults can also get the disease. Sore throat, rash and fever are symptoms that the infection can cause, although the symptoms are sometimes milder in adults.
How is scarlet fever transmitted?
Scarlet fever is transmitted through droplet transmission (when an infected person coughs or sneezes), direct contact (when close contact is made with an infected person's saliva or skin) and indirect transmission (via objects such as handles, toys or towels).
The incubation period for scarlet fever is usually between 2–4 days after infection.
What are common symptoms of scarlet fever in adults?
In adults, the symptoms may be milder than symptoms in children, but they include:
- Swollen tonsils and sore throat
- High fever (often over 38.5°C)
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Characteristic red rash, often on the upper body
- Scaly skin, especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
- "Scarlet tongue" — red and lumpy tongue
What happens in the body with scarlet fever?
When the body becomes infected by the streptococcal bacteria, they release a poison (toxin) that causes the typical rash and other symptoms. The body responds with an inflammatory process that can affect the skin, throat, and sometimes other organs.
Without treatment, the infection can lead to complications such as:
- Strep throat
- Nephritis (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis)
- Rheumatic fever
How is scarlet fever treated?
Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. Treatment shortens the duration of the illness, prevents complications, and also reduces the risk of spreading the infection.
If the person is allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics are used. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve quickly. Rest, plenty of fluids, and fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol can also relieve symptoms.
How many times can you get scarlet fever?
It is possible to get scarlet fever more than once, as you do not always develop lifelong immunity to all types of streptococcal toxins.
Signs to watch out for
- Scaly skin on the palms of your hands: After a few weeks of scarlet fever, the skin may start to peel off.
- High fever that does not go down: This may indicate complications and should be investigated together with a doctor.
