Scarlet fever commonly affects children between the ages of 4 and 8 years. It is caused by the bacteria responsible for strep throat. Symptoms include sore throat, fever and a characteristic red rash. There is no vaccination for scarlet fever but it is treatable with antibiotics.
The scarlet fever rash usually appears 12-48hrs after the child becomes ill. It usually starts on the neck, chest and groin and spreads to the rest of the body after 24hrs. The face may appear flushed but is generally not affected by the rash.
The main characteristic of this rash is that it feels rough, like sandpaper. After about six days it fades and begins to peel like sunburned skin.
If you suspect that your child may have scarlet fever you should visit your GP as this requires antibiotic treatment.