Strep A (Scarlet Fever) Posted or Updated on 6 Oct 2023

Symptoms

The first symptoms of scarlet fever often include:

• a sore throat
• headache
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting

After 12 to 48 hours the characteristic fine red rash develops (if you touch it, it feels like sandpaper). Typically, it first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. On more darkly-pigmented skin, the rash may be harder to spot, although the ‘sandpaper’ feel should be present

Further symptoms include:

• fever over 38.3º C (101º F) or higher is common
• white coating on the tongue which peels a few days later, leaving the tongue looking red and swollen (known as ‘strawberry tongue’)
• swollen glands in the neck
• feeling tired and unwell
• flushed red face, but pale around the mouth. The flushed face may appear more ‘sunburnt’ on darker skin
• peeling skin on the fingertips, toes and groin area, as the rash fades

It usually takes 2 to 5 days from infection before the first symptoms appear. However, the incubation period may be as short as 1 day and as long as 7 days.

Scarlet fever usually clears up after a week, but it is advisable to visit your GP to get a full diagnosis and proper treatment.

Early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications