Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that causes a red, itchy rash on the body.

It is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, and is usually associated with Streptoccocus pharyngitis.

The bright red rash typically starts on the face or neck before spreading to the rest of the body.

The tongue may also look strawberry-red.

Other symptoms include a fever over 101°F, sore throat, headache, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes.

It is most common in children between 5-15 years old, though anyone can get scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin to clear the streptococcal infection.

Symptom relief medications can also help.

It is contagious through respiratory secretions and discharges from the throat/nose.

With proper antibiotic treatment, scarlet fever resolves  in about a week.