13/11/2025
Scarlet fever is an illness caused by a bug called Group A Streptococcus, which is found on the skin and in the throat. Scarlet fever mostly affects children.
The scarlet fever rash often begins with small spots on the body that then spread to the neck, arms and legs over the next 1 to 2 days. The rash may be harder to see on darker skin tones. It often feels like 'sandpaper' but is not itchy.
Your child may also have a:
- Sore throat or tonsillitis
- Fever (temperature of 38°C or above)
- Painful, swollen glands in the neck
- A red tongue (strawberry tongue)
If your child also has a runny nose with their sore throat, it makes a diagnosis of scarlet fever and Group A strep less likely.
https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-5-years/scarlet-fever
