Infections can strike without warning — and when it comes to children, some symptoms may seem harmless at first. Scarlet fever is one such illness that can quickly escalate. Here are 10 signs to watch for right away.
Sudden High Fever
A rapid spike in body temperature, especially without other flu-like signs, is often one of the earliest red flags of scarlet fever.
Swollen Neck Glands
Tender, enlarged lymph nodes on the side of the neck are a strong indicator that the immune system is battling an underlying infection.
Rough, Bumpy Rash
A hallmark of scarlet fever is a red, sandpaper-like rash that typically starts on the chest or stomach and then spreads across the body.
Also read: Chefs Spill the Beans: How to Make a Tortilla Just Like in the Best Restaurants
Severe Sore Throat
A painful throat that makes swallowing difficult — especially when accompanied by fever — is a symptom that should never be dismissed.
Bright Red “Strawberry” Tongue
One of the clearest signs is a tongue that turns red, bumpy, and swollen, closely resembling the surface of a strawberry.
Flushed Cheeks
Though the rash often avoids the face, many children develop pronounced redness in their cheeks — a telltale visual clue.
Peeling Skin
As the infection subsides, skin may begin to peel, particularly on the fingertips, toes, or around the nails — similar to a sunburn.
Also read: 10 Warning Signs Your Body Might Be Dehydrated
Extreme Fatigue
Unusual tiredness, loss of energy, and excessive sleepiness are signs that the body is fighting a serious illness like scarlet fever.
White Coating on the Tongue
Before the tongue turns red, it may first develop a white coating — often combined with bad breath and irritation in the mouth.
Relapsing Symptoms After Initial Recovery
If your child seems to get better, only to fall ill again shortly after, it may be a sign that the infection is lingering or untreated.
This article is based on information from Mirror
Also read: Forget Air Conditioning! This Hack Works Even Better
Also read: This Surprising Body Part Reveals How Fit You Really Are