Is scarlet fever serious?

Absolutely: This infection due to group a beta-hemolytic streptococcus pyogenes is characterized by a sandpaper feeling red eruption with pale sparing often around the mouth. It is due to an erythrogenic toxin produce by this organism. Any grp a strep infection, if not treated appropriately, can lead to post-streptococcal complications like rheumatic fever.

Strep gone wild: Scarlet fever is from the bacteria "strep". To put it simply, this is the skins reaction to the bacteria and you get a rough/sand papery rash with scarlet fever in addition to a sore throat and fever.This condition needs prompt antibiotics and if left untreated the infection can progress and you can become quite ill. I recommend you seek prompt medical attention. This can also be other illnesses.

It can be but so can: Streptococcal infections without the scarlet fever rash. It is treated the same way other group a strep infections are treated.