What is scarlet fever?

A form of strep. : Common symptoms are a sore throat, fever, and a red sandpaper rash. Diagnosis is confirmed with a throat culture.

Strep throat: Scarlet fever is caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat. It is just a different manifestation of it. Diagnosing scarlet fever usually means that the child has a rash that is typical, red sandpaper like feel. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, stomachache and sore throat.

Strep A + gene: Group a streptococcus is cause of throat infections. It is acquired from contaminated fingers or contact with oral secretions of a source case. Some strains have additional genes that code for making a toxin that spreads through the blood & gives a red, sandpaper & sunburn like rash starting within 12 hrs of the fever. This is commonly called scarlet fever.