Scarlet Fever: signs and symptoms

Scarlet fever, a bacterial illness that causes a pink-red rash to appear on skin, has seen a substantial increase in cases in recent years according to Public Health England.

Here is how to spot the signs.

Initial symptoms:

• sore throat
• headache
• high temperature
• flushed cheeks
• swollen tongue

After a day or two:

• characteristic pinkish rash appears
• usually occurs on the chest and stomach before spreading to other areas of the body, such as the ears and neck
• rash feels like sandpaper to the touch
• skin feels itchy

NHS guidelines say that you should visit your GP for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Scarlet Fever usually clears up after about a week.