Scarlet fever

This is a fairly rare infectious disease caused by the bacteria haemolytic streptococci and typically causes a sudden fever, sore throat and loss of appetite with a pin-point rash over the face and body, (apart form the mouth area), a day or so later.

Your GP will want to keep an eye on your child as he or she recovers in case they develop one of the rare complications of scarlet fever, such as ear infections or kidney inflammation. Rheumatic fever, that causes joint pain, is a very rare complication and can occur up to two weeks after the initial infection.

What to do

• See your GP who can take a throat swab and send it to the lab to confirm if the streptococci bacteria is to blame and give your child a short course of antibiotics to clear up the infection
• Offer plenty of fluids, especially if your child s appetite has faded
• Give infant paracetamol to bring down any fever
• Watch out for signs of complications including ear infections over the next few weeks