Scarlet Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Scarlet Fever?
A pediatrician, a doctor who treats children, or a family doctor usually diagnoses and treats scarlet fever. Adults can see a primary care doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is an infection that causes a sore throat and a rash. It is caused by bacteria called group A streptococcus. This is the same bacteria that causes strep throat. The bacteria make a toxin, which is a poison. The toxin causes a distinctive red rash, and that is where the name comes from.
Scarlet fever is easily treated with antibiotics, which are medicines that kill bacteria.
Symptoms
The illness often begins with a fever and a sore throat. The NHS says the first signs can be flu-like, with a high temperature, a sore throat, and swollen glands in the neck. A rash then appears. It first shows up on the neck and chest and then spreads over the body. It feels like sandpaper.
On white skin the rash looks pink or red. On brown and black skin, a change in color may be harder to see, but you can still feel the rash. The cheeks can look red, but the rash does not appear on the face.
Other symptoms may include:
- A white coating on the tongue that peels and leaves a red, swollen, bumpy tongue, called strawberry tongue.
- Chills, headache, and muscle aches.
- Belly pain and vomiting.
- Bright red skin in the creases of the underarm and groin.
As the rash fades, the skin around the fingertips, toes, and groin may peel. The rash can last for more than a week.
Causes and who gets it
Group A strep bacteria cause scarlet fever, and the bacteria are contagious. The bacteria spread by direct contact with an infected person, or by droplets that an infected person coughs or breathes out.
Anyone can get scarlet fever. It is more common in children than in adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old. Close contact with another person who has scarlet fever is the most common risk factor. Crowded places such as child care centers and schools can also raise the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor can often diagnose scarlet fever by looking at your tongue and rash. The feel of the rash matters. MedlinePlus says the texture of the rash is more important than its look in confirming the diagnosis.
Your provider may also test for the bacteria. This can be a throat culture or a throat swab for a rapid strep test. Sometimes a blood test is done.
Treatment
Antibiotics are the treatment for scarlet fever. They kill the bacteria that cause the throat infection. This is crucial to prevent rheumatic fever, a serious complication of strep throat and scarlet fever. Antibiotics also help you get better quicker and make it less likely that you will pass the infection on to someone else.
Keep taking the antibiotics until they are finished, even if you feel better.
While you take antibiotics, you can ease symptoms by:
- Drinking cool fluids.
- Eating soft foods if your throat is sore.
- Using calamine lotion to ease itching.
- Using a pain reliever to bring down a high temperature. Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
With proper antibiotic treatment, symptoms should get better quickly. Scarlet fever lasts for around 1 week. The rash can last up to 2 to 3 weeks before it fully goes away.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you or your child has symptoms of scarlet fever. Also call if symptoms do not go away 24 hours after starting antibiotics, or if new symptoms appear. The NHS says to be seen again if you are ill again weeks after getting better, because this can be a sign of a complication such as rheumatic fever. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or your child has trouble breathing, faints, or has a sudden change in mental state, such as confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine you, order a test for strep, and follow up if symptoms return.
Common questions
Is scarlet fever contagious?
Yes, scarlet fever spreads very easily. You can spread it until 24 hours after you take your first dose of antibiotics. Without antibiotics, you can spread it for 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms start.
How can I stop scarlet fever from spreading?
Stay away from nursery, school, or work until 24 hours after you take the first dose of antibiotics. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and use tissues to trap germs from coughs or sneezes. Do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, bedding, or baths with anyone else.
Is scarlet fever the same as strep throat?
No, they are not the same, but the same bacteria cause both. Scarlet fever happens when the bacteria make a toxin that causes a red rash.
Can adults get scarlet fever?
Yes, adults can get scarlet fever, but it is less common than in children.
Can scarlet fever cause other health problems?
Yes, but problems are rare with the right treatment. They can include acute rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Ear infection, kidney damage, and pneumonia are also possible.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Scarlet fever
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Scarlet Fever
- NHS - Scarlet fever
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
