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Common Conditions We Treat at Vitality Urgent Care

Condition icon: Kids
Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a strep throat infection that also causes a red, rough rash. Scarlet fever symptoms include a sore throat, fever, a sandpaper rash, and a red strawberry tongue. It is easily treated with antibiotics.

What Is It

Scarlet fever is caused by the same group A strep bacteria as strep throat. Some strains release a toxin that causes the rash. It is most common in children ages 5 to 15 and spreads through coughs, sneezes, and shared cups. It peaks in late winter and spring.

Symptoms

  • A red rash that feels like sandpaper, often starting on the neck and chest
  • Sore throat and fever
  • A red, bumpy strawberry tongue
  • Flushed cheeks with pale skin around the mouth
  • Red lines in skin folds of the elbows and armpits
  • Peeling skin on fingers and toes a week later

Not sure it’s scarlet fever? A sore throat with fever and no rash may be strep throat. A rash with fever and sores in the mouth may be hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Treatment

At your visit: A rapid strep test confirms scarlet fever. It is treated with antibiotics. Children can usually return to school after 12 hours of antibiotics and no fever.

At home:

  • Give every dose of the antibiotic
  • Offer cool fluids and soft foods
  • Use fever and pain medicine as directed on the label
  • Replace toothbrushes after 24 hours of antibiotics

Most children feel better within 1 to 2 days of antibiotics. The rash fades in about a week.

When to Get Care for Scarlet Fever

Watch at Home

  • A mild rash with no fever or sore throat
  • A known viral rash that is fading

Come to Urgent Care Today

  • A sandpaper rash with sore throat or fever
  • A strawberry tongue
  • A sore throat after exposure to strep or scarlet fever
  • Fever not improving after 2 days of antibiotics

Go to the Emergency Department

  • Trouble breathing or swallowing, or drooling
  • Swelling on one side of the neck or throat
  • Very sleepy, hard to wake, or confused
  • Dark urine or swelling of the face weeks later

FAQ

What are the first signs of scarlet fever?

The first signs of scarlet fever are usually a sore throat and fever, followed within 1 to 2 days by a red, rough rash that feels like sandpaper.

Is scarlet fever contagious?

Scarlet fever is contagious until a child has taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours and the fever is gone.

Is scarlet fever serious?

Scarlet fever is not usually serious when treated with antibiotics. Untreated, it can lead to rheumatic fever or kidney problems.

Can adults get scarlet fever?

Adults can get scarlet fever, but it is much less common than in children. Adults with strep throat rarely develop the rash.

Can urgent care treat scarlet fever?

Yes, urgent care can test for and treat scarlet fever. Vitality Urgent Care offers rapid strep testing. No appointment or referral is needed.

When can my child go back to school with scarlet fever?

A child with scarlet fever can return to school after 12 hours of antibiotics and once the fever is gone without fever medicine.

Last reviewed October 2026

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