Picture of Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever - A skin condition that is due to a streptococcal sore throat or any other streptococcal infection. The group A streptococcal bacteria produce a toxin that causes a scarlet rash that initially appears on the neck and chest, then spreads over the body, and lasts around 3 days. As the rash fades, desquamation (peeling) may occur around the fingertips, toes, and groin area. Scarlet fever is usually not a serious illness when treated promptly with antibiotics such as penicillin. However, untreated streptococcal infection can cause kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis) and rheumatic fever. Also known as scarlatina.

Shown is desquamation of skin from hands: a symptom of scarlet fever. Desquamation also called skin peeling, is the shedding of the outermost membrane or layer of a tissue, such as the skin.