COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SCARLET FEVER ANSWERED BY HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING.
What are the causes and risk factors of scarlet fever?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Scarlet fever is an infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (strep) bacteria. It causes a finely textured rash that can appear like sandpaper along with other symptoms. It usually occurs after a strep infection of the throat (strep pharyngitis, or strep throat), but occasionally after a strep skin infection. The rash of scarlet fever is caused by a toxin that the strep bacteria produce.
For how long should a person with scarlet fever stay away from other people?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
If the person with scarlet fever takes the prescribed antibiotics as recommended, he or she will no longer be contagious after 24 hours. However, if the person is not treated, he or she can spread the strep infection that causes scarlet fever for as long as three weeks.
What is the chance of getting scarlet fever?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Scarlet fever is an infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (strep) bacteria that causes a rash. Most often it is related to a strep throat. Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin or azithromycin. However, other antibiotics may be effective as well.
→ Learn more about scarlet fever: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to scarlet fever.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-04-26T10:34:48Z dg43tfdfdgfd