This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Clinical features

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • typically the first symptoms of scarlet fever develops after an incubation period of 2 to 4 days and includes:
    • tonsillitis
    • fever (usually above 38.3º C/101º F or higher)
    • headache, malaise, nausea and vomiting (1)
  • characteristic fine red rash
    • develops twelve to forty eight hours after the onset of these symptoms
    • first appears on the chest and stomach and later covers the entire body and limbs and consists of many small papules on diffuse erythema that blanches on pressure (1,2)
    • often more marked over the skinfolds where transverse lines containing tiny petichae may be seen
    • area around the mouth is spared
    • the skin may feel rough like sandpaper
    • the rash lasts for a period of two to three days, after which desquamation occurs that is most prominent on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands (1)
  • examination of the throat generally reveals that the pharynx is diffusely reddened, with enlarged and red tonsils covered with a white exudate. The tongue may be initially furred with enlarged papillae - an appearance described as a 'white strawberry t ongue', lost after two or three days to become strawberry tongue.
  • usually there is enlargement of regional lymph nodes (1)
  • flushed red face with paleness around the mouth (1)
  • note that although, in general the tonsil or pharynx is the site of infection, occasionally other foci e.g. surgical wounds may occur

Reference:


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.