How Long Does Scarlet Fever Rash Last In Adults

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by a Group A Streptococcus. It’s characterised by a sore throat, fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, " strawberry tongue ", and a rash. It may not sound terrible based on those symptoms, but it was responsible for 36,000 registered deaths in the first decade of the 20th century in England and Wales, and was a leading cause of child mortality.

Other possible long term effects of scarlet fever can be hearing impairment,meningitis,an inflammation of the membrances covering the brain and spinal cord. Another side effect can be pneumonia,an infection of the lungs.

Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin or azithromycin. In addition to antibiotic treatment, patients with scarlet fever and severe throat symptoms may try: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Scarlet fever in adults can be contagious even the common symptoms like high fever, severe cough and strep throat is not present.