Parents of children under eight are being urged to stay vigilant for signs of scarlet fever, a contagious illness marked by red, itchy skin and flu-like symptoms. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to controlling the spread and preventing rare but severe complications.
Scarlet fever most commonly affects toddlers and primary school children, especially those between two and eight years old. However, adults can also contract the infection. The NHS emphasizes that scarlet fever is “very infectious and can easily spread to other people” without proper precautions.
Typically, scarlet fever lasts about a week with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Without antibiotics, individuals can remain contagious for up to three weeks after symptoms begin, making outbreak control difficult without timely intervention.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently issued a warning: “Scarlet fever is common in young children and usually mild, but it’s important to get it treated so it doesn’t become something more serious.” Parents are encouraged to contact their GP if they notice symptoms.
Initial signs resemble flu, including high fever, sore throat, and swollen glands along the neck. Within 12 to 48 hours, a distinctive rash emerges, starting on the chest and stomach before spreading. The rash is characterized by small, raised bumps that give the skin a rough, sandpaper-like texture.
On lighter skin, the rash appears pink or red, while on darker skin, the color change may be subtle but the raised bumps and texture remain detectable. A hallmark symptom is the “strawberry tongue”—a tongue initially coated in white that peels to reveal a red, swollen surface with bumps.
Though scarlet fever can be serious, antibiotic treatments have made it less common and easier to manage today. Complications are rare but can occur during or after the infection.
If you suspect scarlet fever in yourself or your child, contact your GP promptly. Many practices may recommend a phone consultation first to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. A GP will typically prescribe antibiotics to speed recovery, prevent transmission, and lower the risk of developing serious complications.