What is scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is a term used to refer to a sore throat with a rash. Strep throat is a throat infection caused by a type of strep bacteria. What causes scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria, the same bacteria that cause strep throat. There are many different strains of strep bacteria, some of which cause more severe illness than others. The type of strep that infects the throat and causes scarlet fever is called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABS). What are the symptoms of scarlet fever? Symptoms that may occur before the rash include:? Fever of 38.5°C (101.3°F) or higher.? Sore throat and difficulty swallowing.? White or yellow spots or coating on the throat and tonsils.? Swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Other symptoms, especially in children, may include generalized pain, headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or listlessness. Scarlet fever usually does not manifest itself with cold symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, or a cough. Red spots begin to appear on the roof of the mouth (palate) about 2 to 3 days after the first symptoms appear. Bright red spots may appear on the tongue, giving it an appearance called "strawberry tongue." The most noticeable symptom of scarlet fever is a red, rough rash that feels like fine sandpaper. The rash starts on the chest and abdomen and then spreads to the rest of the body within 24 hours. The rash and redness are most noticeable in the skin folds, especially in the groin, armpits and elbows. It usually goes away in about a week, at which time the skin may start to peel. Treatment of scarlet fever If you have a rash and your doctor suspects scarlet fever, he or she will usually do a throat culture (a painless swab of throat secretions). to see if the bacteria grow in the laboratory. Once a strep infection is confirmed, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic for your child to take for about 10 days. How scarlet fever is spread from one person to another The bacterial infection that causes scarlet fever is contagious. A child with scarlet fever can spread the bacteria to others through nasal and throat fluids by sneezing and coughing. If a child has a skin infection caused by strep bacteria, such as impetigo, it can be transmitted through skin contact.