Scarlet Fever: Symptoms & Signs

Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, usually begins from a Streptococcus infection in the throat. Symptoms of this infection include

• sore throat,
• headache,
• enlarged tonsils,
• fever, and
• chills.

Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain can accompany these symptoms. The tongue can be swollen and have a red, bumpy appearance sometimes referred to as "strawberry" tongue. A rash is also characteristic of scarlet fever. It usually begins as small, flat red areas on the skin and can develop into small, bumpy red areas. It usually begins on the chest and trunk and extends to the arms and legs, but the palms and soles of the feet are usually spared. The rash has been described as feeling like sandpaper. Skin creases (groin, elbows, underarms) may appear more reddened. The skin can start to peel as the rash fades.

Causes of scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is caused by an infection with toxin-producing group A Streptococcus bacteria.

Other scarlet fever symptoms and signs

• Abdominal Pain
• Bumpy Tongue
• Dysphagia
• Enlarged Lymph Nodes in the Neck
• Enlarged or Swollen Tonsils
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Malaise
• Nausea
• Rash
• Red Lines or Streaks in Skin Folds
• Red Spots (Petechiae) in Mouth
• Reddened Skin Creases
• Reddened Tongue
• Skin Peeling
• Sore Throat
• Swollen Tongue
• Vomiting
• Yellow-White Coating (Pus) on Tonsils

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

SLIDESHOW

Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments See Slideshow