Scarlet Fever? | Mumsnet

Justnippinginthegaragelove · 2025-02-16T20:32:06+00:00

I wonder if anyone who has experience of scarlet fever could offer any advice? My 3 YO has been feeling ill since Friday saying her throat hurts, arms hurt, feels unwell. She's been taking long afternoon naps and has reduced appetite. This morning she woke up with red blotches on her cheeks (see pics) and the skin on her body feels rough with loads of tiny bumps. I called 111 at 10am, a clinician called me back at lunchtime and said a GP would call within 12 hours. I'm still waiting for the call and she's now fast asleep.... I'm just wondering if I need to be on high alert tonight - is she likely to go downhill during the night or am I panicking? Does anyone know if this looks like scarlet fever from the pics? I called a pharmacy and they couldn't help other than to give the OOH GP service a nudge and she hasn't been poorly enough for A&E. Grateful for any advice!

WhatMe123 · 16/02/2025 20:43

I've had Scarlett fever as an adult, you do need anti biotics and you can't go into school or nursery until the course has finished. but I don't think you should be worrying, most kids just stay at home don't they . Did the dr not phone you back? Is her tongue all red, think they call it strawberry tongue and normally the rash is all over and very rough. Also watch her temp honestly I've never been as hot than when I had scarlet fever

Original poster

Justnippinginthegaragelove · 16/02/2025 21:00

WhatMe123 · 16/02/2025 20:43

I've had Scarlett fever as an adult, you do need anti biotics and you can't go into school or nursery until the course has finished. but I don't think you should be worrying, most kids just stay at home don't they . Did the dr not phone you back? Is her tongue all red, think they call it strawberry tongue and normally the rash is all over and very rough. Also watch her temp honestly I've never been as hot than when I had scarlet fever

Thanks for your reply! I'd read about needing antibiotics and that's why I'm worrying as she hasn't got them yet 😕
No, I still haven't had a call back. I'll be straight on to my GP in the morning if out of hours don't call. That's helpful to know about having a temp, maybe I'll set my alarm to check on her through the night.

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IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 16/02/2025 21:07

DD had SF, with similar symptoms to what you describe. 24 hrs of antibiotics and she was right as rain. Fingers crossed you get them soon!

Val1985 · 16/02/2025 21:38

Not sure if it's scarlett fever but there are a lot of very nasty bugs going around at the moment.

My 3 year old was a bit off form all last week. Nothing specific, reduced appetite, bit tired, snotty and a little cough. Started running a very mild temp last night and woke hysterical in her sleep. Turns out whatever she had turned into an ear infection. 24hr later and on antibiotics and she's like a new child.

When we were watching and waiting last night I sat up with tea and netflix in the bed with her beside me to keep an eye. Might be no harm doing that or setting a few alarms. Hope they call you back soon with an appointment x

whereareyousleep · 16/02/2025 21:52

Could be hand foot and mouth also or something similar. We were told you don't tend to get a runny nose or cough with it. Doctors will do a swab to confirm if scarlet fever. My DS has had it 3 times in the last year which is rare but all have been confirmed. Worst symptoms were a really bad sore throat his tonsils were huge and covered in white one side was nearly closed. Very high temp in the 39/40's. Lethargy and being sick. The rash and strawberry tongue didn't start until the 3rd day. Hope the doctors get back to you soon and she starts feeling better.

MILLYmo0se · 16/02/2025 21:57

The classic rash leaves a kind of white ring around the mouth area as the skin elsewhere is v flushed but of course not everyone helpfully presents like that. DDs started with a small area on her tummy but spread v quickly. The temperature is the big thing really, if it does go up you may need both ibuprofen and paracetamol to alternate to keep it down

Original poster

Justnippinginthegaragelove · 16/02/2025 22:39

Thanks ladies, that's really helpful 💝
She's still snoozing away and settled, no temp, so fingers crossed that continues.

Still no call back from 111 over 12 hours since I called this morning!

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AnxiouslyAwaitingSpring · 17/02/2025 01:00

Scarlet Fever is rife at my DC's school and mine has the exact same symptoms as you. Thankfully it's half term now so not missing any school but being Sunday, I too was wondering whether to go to out of hours today. Have decided to go see a pharmacist first thing in the morning as they can prescribe antibiotics. Even if we saw out of hours tonight, we likely wouldn't be able to find anywhere to fill the prescription until the morning anyway 💖

Original poster

Justnippinginthegaragelove · 17/02/2025 08:14

AnxiouslyAwaitingSpring · 17/02/2025 01:00

Scarlet Fever is rife at my DC's school and mine has the exact same symptoms as you. Thankfully it's half term now so not missing any school but being Sunday, I too was wondering whether to go to out of hours today. Have decided to go see a pharmacist first thing in the morning as they can prescribe antibiotics. Even if we saw out of hours tonight, we likely wouldn't be able to find anywhere to fill the prescription until the morning anyway 💖

I called my local pharmacy last night but they said they couldn't prescribe for scarlet fever (not sure whether it's because of her age or because of the condition)
Trying to get through to my GP now which is impossible 😔
I hope your little one is feeling better soon!

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JessicaPeach · 17/02/2025 08:49

My ds had scarlet fever this time last year, it's 10 days of antibiotics, penicillin rather than amoxicillin. He was unwell for a couple of weeks, it really hit him hard. His rash was all over his torso, he did have the ring round his lips but it wasn't as obvious as some pics I've seen online.

Original poster

Justnippinginthegaragelove · 17/02/2025 10:13

I've called my GP twice, had to complete an online form as they won't book appointments over the phone now... could take 24 hours for a call back apparently 😡

Does anyone know what cream would be best to put on her cheeks? Her skin looks so red and sore

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cannynotsay · 17/02/2025 11:30

If you think it's Scarlett fever I'd take her A&E instead of waiting as the rash should be all over her body's and she'll need antibiotics as it's part of the strep A family of infections .

If she has got a temp maybe try a local walk in?

Cream wise something soothing ointment based

cannynotsay · 17/02/2025 11:31

Also has she got a high temp, it normally goes hand in hand with a high temp

hushabybaby · 17/02/2025 11:36

My son had scarlet fever last year and it's very important to get her antibiotics quickly! My gp prescribed them within 1 hour, I phoned the surgery and had a consultation over the phone.

He was really quite unwell with it. For at least a week and a week of recovery

Original poster

Justnippinginthegaragelove · 17/02/2025 12:40

The GP has finally called and booked her in for 3pm. She doesn't have a temp so maybe it's not SF? She has all the other symptoms though so I'm really not sure! Maybe it's a mild case?

I'll update later. Thanks everyone for your advice!

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WhatMe123 · 17/02/2025 12:57

It's u ideal to not have a temp and her face doesn't look the same as the normal rash. Its more of small red rough spots so good your gp will see her face to face to take a better look 😁

Original poster

Justnippinginthegaragelove · 17/02/2025 16:06

Back from the Dr's and it's not scarlet fever as she doesn't have strawberry tongue or a temp! He took a look at the rash on her body and face and said its viral so panic over. Hopefully she'll be feeling better soon so we can escape the house this half term 🙂

Thank you all for your advice, I'm so grateful!

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AnxiouslyAwaitingSpring · 18/02/2025 15:16

Justnippinginthegaragelove · 17/02/2025 16:06

Back from the Dr's and it's not scarlet fever as she doesn't have strawberry tongue or a temp! He took a look at the rash on her body and face and said its viral so panic over. Hopefully she'll be feeling better soon so we can escape the house this half term 🙂

Thank you all for your advice, I'm so grateful!

Aww glad it's not serious! 💖