Facts
• It is a disease of bacterial origin caused by a toxin produced by group A streptococci.
• The only difference between strep throat and scarlet fever is that the latter is accompanied by a rash.
• The incubation period is one to seven days after exposure.
Symptoms
• The disease is often characterized by an abrupt onset of fever, headache, sore throat and vomiting.
• With scarlet fever, the tongue has a characteristic appearance: bright red and studded with prominent bumps (also called strawberry tongue).
• The face is usually flushed but often pale around the mouth area.
• A rough, sandpaper-like rash often develops, especially on the inner elbows, chest and inner thighs.
• The rash lasts about four days.
• The diagnosis is usually made with a positive throat culture and the characteristic appearing rash.
Treatment
• This disease must be treated with an antibiotic just like strep throat.
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