This image displays the sandpaper-like appearance on the chin and a red tongue with red dots (red strawberry tongue) typical of scarlet fever. This image displays the previously pink, sandpaper-like rash of scarlet fever starting to peel and improve. This image displays the tiny pink bumps of scarlet fever beginning to peel as the patient improves. This image displays the faint pink sandpaper-like rash of scarlet fever on the neck and trunk. Numerous tiny red bumps of scarlet fever are sometimes more easily felt than seen (giving the typical sandpaper-like feel). This is the typical "white strawberry tongue" of scarlet fever, with a white coating with red dots on the surface.
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Scarlet Fever  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Scarlet Fever: This image displays the sandpaper-like appearance on the chin and a red tongue with red dots (red strawberry tongue) typical of scarlet fever. Divider line
This image displays the sandpaper-like appearance on the chin and a red tongue with red dots (red strawberry tongue) typical of scarlet fever.
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Self-Care Guidelines
It is difficult to avoid infection of others who are not immune in the household. However, you might try to:
  • Keep eating and clothing items used by an ill child away from other people, and wash them in hot soapy water.
  • The child's caregivers should wash their hands frequently.
  • Keep the child comfortable with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen for fever relief.
  • Have your child eat soft foods, drink plenty of liquids, and apply lotions such as calamine for itching, if needed.
When to Seek Medical Care
Call your child's doctor if you suspect that the child may have scarlet fever.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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