From the Guidelines
A scarlet fever rash is characterized by a fine, red, sandpaper-like appearance, typically starting on the neck, underarm, groin, and chest, and spreading to the rest of the body within 1-2 days, as described in various studies, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. The rash consists of tiny bumps that give the skin a rough texture when touched and usually blanches (turns white) when pressed. Some key features of the rash include:
- A characteristic flushed appearance with pallor around the mouth (circumoral pallor)
- A strawberry tongue (white coating with red bumps initially, followed by a bright red appearance)
- Prominent skin creases in body folds (Pastia's lines), particularly in the armpits, elbows, and groin The rash typically lasts 3-5 days before fading and may be followed by skin peeling, especially on the fingertips, toes, and groin area. It is worth noting that the provided evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1 focuses on case definitions for infectious conditions under public health surveillance, but the description of the rash is consistent with the typical presentation of scarlet fever.
From the Research
Characteristics of Scarlet Fever Rash
The characteristics of a scarlet fever rash can be described as follows:
- A distinctive macro-papular rash, usually in children 2
- Exanthema, which is a skin eruption 3
- Maculopapular rashes on arms, thighs, and abdomen, with erythroderma on the face, ears, neck, chest, and back 4
- The rash can be atypical, with distribution on the dorsum of the hand and feet, only till the level of wrists and ankles joints 3
- Desquamation on the face, ears, and trunk can occur after the rash 4
Distribution and Appearance
The rash can appear in various parts of the body, including:
Age Group Affected
Scarlet fever can affect people of any age group, although it is primarily a pediatric illness 3