Scarlet fever: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "'''Scarlet fever''', also called '''scarlatina''', is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A streptococci or GAS) characterised by streptococcal tonsillitis, fever, a "strawberry tongue", and a rash. == Clinical features == In addition to features of tonsillitis, a rash and "strawberry tongue" are present. The rash usually begins 1-2 days after the tonsillitis. It's a generalised maculopapular exanthema which usually begins...") |
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'''Scarlet fever''', also called '''scarlatina''', is a bacterial infection caused by [[streptococcus pyogenes]] (also called group A streptococci or GAS) characterised by streptococcal tonsillitis, fever, a "strawberry tongue", and a rash. | '''Scarlet fever''', also called '''scarlatina''', is a bacterial infection caused by [[streptococcus pyogenes]] (also called group A streptococci or GAS) characterised by streptococcal [[tonsillitis]], fever, a "strawberry tongue", and a rash. | ||
== Clinical features == | == Clinical features == | ||
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Treatment is oral [[penicillin]], same as for streptococcal [[tonsillitis]]. | Treatment is oral [[penicillin]], same as for streptococcal [[tonsillitis]]. | ||
<noinclude>[[Category:Ear, nose, throat (ENT)]]</noinclude> | <noinclude> | ||
[[Category:Ear, nose, throat (ENT)]]</noinclude> | |||
Latest revision as of 12:06, 24 November 2023
Scarlet fever, also called scarlatina, is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A streptococci or GAS) characterised by streptococcal tonsillitis, fever, a "strawberry tongue", and a rash.
Clinical features
In addition to features of tonsillitis, a rash and "strawberry tongue" are present.
The rash usually begins 1-2 days after the tonsillitis. It's a generalised maculopapular exanthema which usually begins on the trunk and spreads from there. It's usually sandpaper-like, often easier to palpate than to see. The face is often flaming red, with notable sparing periorally. After 1-2 weeks desquamation occurs, especially on the hands and feet.
The tongue initially gets a white coating, and the papillae undergo hypertrophy, giving a strawberry appearance. Later, the white coating sheds, leaving the tongue red.
Management
Treatment is oral penicillin, same as for streptococcal tonsillitis.