Is this "strawberry tongue"?

[ThisMustBeMyDream]

Querying scarlet fever, DS age 10 came home with a temp, sore mouth and throat and headache. No rashes. Just noticed this on his tongue. I'm not sure if this is the so called strawberry tongue. I'm on hold with 111, I was originally intending to take him to the GP in the morning as I think they are issuing antibiotics for scarlet fever cases and I wanted to check. But now I'm thinking perhaps waiting another 15-18 hours or so wouldn't be a good idea. Calpol has perked him up somewhat, but he is definitely under the weather and has taken to his bed/room. He has autism so it can be difficult for him to explain his symptoms sometimes, but I can't see any other issues.

I wouldn’t say so although the tastebuds look a bit raised. I thought strawberry tongue was red all over?

I would be concerned that it was, I think phoning 111 is the right thing.

I wrote on this thread though that my son had it, we didn't rush to doctors as it wasn't a known health scare at the time and he was absolutely fine. My son's tongue was visibly more red.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/childrens_health/4692852-positive-strep-a-scarler-fever-stories-please

I would say yes ring your out of hours or 111 for advice. I hope he feels better soon.

That looks pretty normal, strawberry tongue is really red, bumpy and enlarged.

my daughter got given gp app and anti biotics yesterday as a precaution due to same symptoms - no rash

Honestly you are doing the right thing calling 111. Our school has sent out a letter saying anything like this ought to be dealt with asap.

phoning 111 is the correct thing to do 😁

Definitely doing the right thing. We had DD at doctors this morning and they aren't messing about with prescribing antibiotics and they were very thorough in checking her over. They think DD has bacterial tonsillitis as no rash. Getting a prescription filled might be harder though! I had to try 5 chemists before I found the prescribed one in stock.

My sons tongue is like this, red kind of spots but not raised nor bumpy. He has no temp, no rash on the body, was complaining of a sore throat twice in a morning, but nothing since, and completely fine in himself. I was a bit miffed as to what it was.. just put it down to either being viral or just normal and I've never seemed to of noticed lol. But I'm sure I don't remember it being like that. Keep us updated OP. Hope he's OK x

Yes, you need to seek medical advice

I would only ring 111 if I was prepared to go to A&E or out of hours and wait around for hours. Does he have a temperature?

I would personally give nurofen and wait until morning then ring the doctor. They’ll take a swab, likely give antibiotics and a spray to numb the throat/tongue.

You should do what feels right though, only you know your child and most posters say ring 111. Hope all is well and he feels better soon.

I'd say yes if that's different to his normal tongue.

Finally got through after over an hour only to be told he can see the pharmacist tomorrow....

Has he got any white pus apparently that's something else to look for. X

My DD has just had it and didn’t get the strawberry tongue but it was distinctly white coated. The rash on the body started round the neck, armpits and groin before all over and it was sandpapery. Hope he’s alright.

I disagree - I think it is.

My son has had scarlet fever from strep twice this month, and doctor said this was textbook perfect example of a strawberry tongue. It looked very sore and judging by how much he cried when he tried eating, it was
He had a fever, classic rash, tongue, sore throat and flushed red cheeks.