INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of 10  

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Multimedia
• References

Background

Scarlet fever is an infection caused by toxin-producing group A beta hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) found in secretions and discharge from the nose, ears, throat, and skin. It may follow streptococcal wound infections or burns, as well as upper respiratory tract infections.

Pathophysiology

As the name implies, an erythematous eruption is associated with a febrile illness. The circulating toxin, often referred to as erythemogenic toxin, causes the rash as a consequence of local production of inflammatory mediators and alteration of the cutaneous cytokine milieu. This results in a sparse inflammatory response and dilatation of blood vessels leading to the characteristic scarlet color of the rash.

Mortality/Morbidity

Historically, scarlet fever resulted in death in 15-20% of those affected. Since the advent of antibiotic therapy, the mortality rate is less than 1%. Morbidity and mortality is usually minimal. Known complications, such as septicemia, hepatitis, or rheumatic fever, should be considered on a case-by-case basis as determined by the presence of clinical history and examination findings suggestive of those diseases. Localized soft tissue infections may suggest the presence of underlying osteomyelitis, but scarlet fever may occur from cellulitis alone. When scarlet fever has been determined to be due to a soft tissue infection over or near bone, evaluation for bony involvement should be considered.

Race

No racial or ethnic predilection is reported for group A streptococcal infection.

Age

The infection usually occurs in children, with peak age incidence from 1-10 years. However, it can occur in older children and adults.

CLINICAL

Section 3 of 10  

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• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
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• Medication
• Follow-up
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• References

History

The cutaneous eruption of scarlet fever accompanies a streptococcal infection at another anatomic site, usually the tonsillopharynx. Abrupt onset of fever, headache, vomiting, malaise, chills, and sore throat occurs. Rash appears 1-4 days after the onset.

Physical

The mucous membranes usually are bright red, and scattered petechiae and small red papular lesions on the soft palate are often present.

• During the first days of infection, the tongue is heavily coated with a white membrane through which edematous red papillae protrude (classic appearance of white strawberry tongue).
• By day 4 or 5, the white membrane sloughs off, revealing a shiny red tongue with prominent papillae (red, strawberry tongue).
• Red, edematous, exudative tonsils are typically observed if the infection originates there (see Image 1).
• The characteristic exanthem consists of a fine erythematous punctate eruption that appears within 1-4 days following the onset of the illness. It first appears on the upper trunk and axillae and then becomes generalized, although it is usually more prominent in flexural areas, such as the axillae, popliteal fossae, and inguinal folds. It may also appear more intense at dependent sites and sites of pressure, such as the buttocks.
• Capillary fragility is increased, and often, transverse areas of hyperpigmentation with petechiae in the axillary, antecubital, and inguinal areas (Pastia lines) can be observed.
• The face is usually flushed, and circumoral pallor is observed.
• The eruption imparts a dry rough texture to the skin that is reported to resemble the feel of sandpaper.
• The cutaneous rash lasts for 4-5 days, followed by fine desquamation, the extent and duration of which is directly related to the severity of the eruption.

Causes

The overwhelming majority of cases of scarlet fever are caused by beta hemolytic Lancefield group A streptococcus (GABHS). Other bacteria can cause a pharyngitis and similar rash, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, and Clostridium species. Differential diagnosis includes other causes of fever accompanied by erythematous eruptions. Recurrent cases of scarlet fever have been reported from reinfection with strains unrelated to Streptococcus pyogenes.

• The cutaneous eruption of fifth disease may be confused with that of scarlet fever, but the affected child is usually well and afebrile.
• Rubella and rubeola may appear similar, but the presence of conjunctivitis, purulent rhinitis, and cough are helpful clues to the diagnosis of rubeola. In addition, the eruption of rubeola usually begins behind the ears and on the scalp and forehead, not on the torso. Rubella typically begins on the head and face.
• Other viral exanthemata, such as those caused by Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis), enterovirus, hepatitis B infection, HIV, and Streptobacillus moniliformis infection (rat bite fever) may also need to be considered.
• Other bacteria-associated syndromes with cutaneous eruptions (eg, toxic shock syndrome, secondary syphilis) may appear similar to scarlet fever, but the presence of vasomotor instability and ischemic necrosis of digits in the former and palmoplantar involvement with positive serology in the latter should allow for distinction.
• Noninfectious diseases that should be considered include Kawasaki disease, acute lupus erythematosus, morbilliform drug eruption, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

DIFFERENTIALS

Section 4 of 10  

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• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Multimedia
• References

Other Problems to be Considered

Fifth disease
Rubeola
Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis)
Enterovirus
Hepatitis B infection
Human immunodeficiency virus
S moniliformis infection (rat bite fever)
Toxic shock syndrome
Secondary syphilis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Atropine toxicity

WORKUP

Section 5 of 10  

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• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Multimedia
• References

Lab Studies

• Cultures of the infected oropharynx or other infected areas should be obtained.
• CBC count commonly reveals a leukocytosis. Urinalysis and liver function tests may reveal changes associated with complications of scarlet fever. Said tests are part of a complete medical workup.
• An increase in antistreptolysin O titers can be observed but is a late finding and usually of value only in retrospect.
• Patients whose bacterial source may suggest another process (eg, a patient with a suppurative leg wound who may have osteomyelitis) should be evaluated accordingly.

Histologic Findings

The microscopic findings of the eruption of scarlet fever are nonspecific and have an appearance similar to that of other exanthematous eruptions. A sparse perivascular infiltrate usually consisting of lymphocytes primarily with a slight amount of spongiosis in the epidermis is present. Slight parakeratosis may be present, which probably correlates with the sandpaperlike texture of the skin.

TREATMENT

Section 6 of 10  

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• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
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• References

Medical Care

Antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice for scarlet fever. Cultures should be obtained where organisms other than streptococcal bacteria are suspected. The desquamating rash that follows is self-limited, with only emollients necessary for care.

Consultations

If the diagnosis is unclear, consultation with a dermatologist is recommended.

MEDICATION

Section 7 of 10  

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• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Multimedia
• References

DOC is benzathine penicillin G administered IM or penicillin VK administered PO for 10 days. First-generation cephalosporins may also be used. Erythromycin should be considered in patients allergic to penicillin.

Drug Category: Antibiotics

Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

FOLLOW-UP

Section 8 of 10  

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• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Multimedia
• References

Further Outpatient Care

• Follow-up evaluation is recommended to ensure resolution of the primary infection. Some patients report pruritus associated with the desquamating rash. Oral antihistamines and emollients usually are sufficient to control the pruritus.

Complications

• A number of serious complications may develop as a consequence of streptococcal infection. Otitis media, pneumonia, septicemia, osteomyelitis, rheumatic fever, and acute glomerulonephritis are the most common. Appropriate evaluation and early intervention with antibiotics are essential to prevent these disorders.

Prognosis

• When identified in a timely fashion, the prognosis is excellent. Most patients recover after 4-5 days, with resolution of skin symptoms over several weeks.

Patient Education

• Completion of the prescribed antibiotic regimen is essential. Follow general good hygiene precautions, especially in households with other small children.
• For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Children's Health Center and Ear, Nose, and Throat Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Strep Throat and Skin Rashes in Children.

MULTIMEDIA

Section 9 of 10  

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• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Multimedia
• References

Media file 1:  The exudative pharyngitis typical of scarlet fever. Although the tongue is somewhat out of focus, the whitish coating observed early in scarlet fever is visible.
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Media type:  Photo

Media file 2:  Desquamation of the palms is a frequently observed self-limited manifestation of scarlet fever present in the healing period following resolution of the infection and acute eruption.
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Media type:  Photo

REFERENCES

Section 10 of 10

• Authors and Editors
• Introduction
• Clinical
• Differentials
• Workup
• Treatment
• Medication
• Follow-up
• Multimedia
• References

• Cunningham MW. Pathogenesis of group A streptococcal infections. Clin Microbiol Rev. Jul 2000;13(3):470-511. [Medline].
• Gaston DA, Zurowski SM. Arcanobacterium haemolyticum pharyngitis and exanthem. Three case reports and literature review. Arch Dermatol. Jan 1996;132(1):61-4. [Medline].
• Gomez-Carrasco JA, Lassaletta A, Ruano D. [Acute hepatitis may form part of scarlet fever]. An Pediatr (Barc). Apr 2004;60(4):382-3. [Medline].
• Guven A. Hepatitis and hematuria in scarlet fever. Indian J Pediatr. Nov 2002;69(11):985-6. [Medline].
• Lau SK, Woo PC, Yuen KY. Toxic scarlet fever complicating cellulitis: early clinical diagnosis is crucial to prevent a fatal outcome. New Microbiol. Apr 2004;27(2):203-6. [Medline].
• Sanz JC, Bascones Mde L, Martin F, Saez-Nieto JA. [Recurrent scarlet fever due to recent reinfection caused by strains unrelated to Streptococcus pyogenes.]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. Jun-Jul 2005;23(6):388-9. [Medline].
• Swartz MN, Weinberg AN. Infections due to Gram-Positive Bacteria. In: Dermatology in General Medicine. Vol 2. 4th ed. New York, NY:. McGraw-Hill;1993:2318-2320.

Article Last Updated: Feb 26, 2007