Scarlet fever

Question 1

What organism causes scarlet fever?

Answer 1

1. Haemolytic Group A strep - Strep Pyogenes

Question 2

How is scarlet fever spread?

Answer 2

Spread via respiratory droplets

Question 3

How does scarlet fever present?

Answer 3

1. Fever
2. Sore throat
3. Strawberry tongue
4. General unwell - malaise, headache, nausea and vomiting
5. RASH

Question 4

Describe the rash in scarlet fever

Answer 4

• Sandpaper like rash
• Feels like goosebumps
• Rash is more ovbious in flexures

Question 5

How does the rash progress on the body?

Answer 5

1. Appears on the torso first

2. Spares palms and soles

Question 6

Features of sore throat

Answer 6

1. Mouth, tongue and pharynx swollen
2. Bacterial tonsillitis
3. Strawberry tongue

Question 7

Ix

Answer 7

Threat swab is taken but antibiotics should be commenced asap

Question 8

Management

Answer 8

1. Penicillin oral for 10 days

Question 9

Major complications of Scarlet fever

Answer 9

1. Ottitis media
2. Glomerularnephritis
3. Rheumatic fever

Question 10

Most common complications of scarlet fever

Answer 10

Ottitis media