Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat. Also known as scarlatina, scarlet fever features a bright red rash that covers most of the body. Scarlet fever almost always includes a sore throat and a high fever. Scarlet fever is most common in children 5 to 15 years of age. Although scarlet fever was once considered a serious childhood illness, antibiotic treatments have made it less threatening. Still, if left untreated, scarlet fever can result in more-serious conditions that affect the heart, kidneys and other parts of the body. Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment June 07, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Ferri FF. Scarlet fever. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 21, 2021. Scarlet fever: All you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/scarlet-fever.html. Accessed Dec. 21, 2021. Scarlet fever: Information for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-hcp/scarlet-fever.html. Accessed Dec. 21, 2021. Streptococcal infections. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-cocci/streptococcal-infections. Accessed Dec. 21, 2021. AskMayoExpert. Scarlet fever (child). Mayo Clinic; 2021. Acute rheumatic fever: Information for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-hcp/acute-rheumatic-fever.html. Dec. 21, 2021. Sore throat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sore-throat.html. Accessed Dec. 21, 2021. Drutz JE. Acute pharyngitis in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 22, 2021. Pichichero ME. PANDAS: Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with group A streptococci. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 22, 2021. Ristagno EH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Dec. 23, 2021. Related Scarlet fever Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Scarlet feverSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20377388 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Scarlet fever