SCARLET FEVER WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

What are the symptoms?

Early signs include a sore throat, a headache, a high temperature, swollen glands in the neck and vomiting. This may be followed by a rash on the body, a red face and a white or red tongue.

The scarlet fever rash usually starts on the chest or tummy, before spreading. It feels like sandpaper, and is made up of pink-red blotches that may join up. It turns white if you press a glass on it. The cheeks may also turn red, while the area around the mouth is pale.

Sometimes a white coating may form on the tongue which peels away after a few days, leaving the tongue red and swollen.

You must see your GP as soon as possible if you think it is scarlet fever.

How do you treat it?

Treatment with antibiotics is recommended to reduce the length of time it is contagious, speed up recovery and reduce the risk of further issues.

You should start feeling better after a day or two, but you must finish the whole course of treatment.

How long does it last and how can you stop it spreading?

Scarlet fever usually clears up within a week, although your skin may peel for a few weeks afterwards.

It is very contagious and can be spread in the tiny droplets found in breath, coughs and sneezes. It remains contagious from before the symptoms appear, until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.