Patient's question:
NoDoctor's answer:
Hello, scarlet fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the infection of Streptococcus pyogenes, which produces erythrogenic toxin, characterized by fever, sore throat, and a generalized rash. This disease can occur throughout the year, but it is more common in winter and spring. All age groups can be affected, but it is more prevalent among school-aged children. It often occurs in collective living environments such as kindergartens and primary schools. The transmission is through patients and healthy carriers, who spread bacteria through droplets generated by breathing, coughing, sneezing, or speaking via the respiratory tract. The severity of the illness varies, with a incubation period of 1-7 days, most commonly 2-4 days. The onset is abrupt, with fever and sore throat as early symptoms. Severe cases may include headache and vomiting. Subsequently, the tongue papillae become swollen, first appearing white, then turning yellow, rough, and with red papules. At the same time, lymph nodes in the posterior neck and submandibular region become enlarged and tender. Rashes typically appear around 24 hours after onset, covering the entire body with red, rice-grain-sized papules. The skin between rashes appears red, with no normal skin remaining. In skin folds, the rashes are dense and linear. The area around the lips does not develop rashes, appearing pale and forming a pale ring around the mouth. The rash generally reaches its peak within 2 days and gradually subsides, completely disappearing within 2-4 days. The temperature gradually decreases, and after the rash fades, peeling begins approximately 7 days later. Mild cases show fine, flaky shedding, while severe cases may exhibit large sheets of peeling.