Infections
Medicines for Scarlet fever
A contagious bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus, mostly affecting young children, with a sore throat, fever and a fine sandpaper-like rash — treated with antibiotics that speed recovery and reduce spread.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is a contagious infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, the same germs that cause many sore throats. It mainly affects young children but can occur at any age.
- How it is treated: Scarlet fever is usually diagnosed by its typical pattern of symptoms and is treated with a course of antibiotics.
- Self-care: Good hygiene limits the spread: wash hands well and often, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, bin used tissues, and avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels, bedding or toys until the infection has settled.
- When to seek help: See a GP or contact 111 if you think you or your child has scarlet fever, as antibiotics are recommended; treatment is more effective when started promptly.
What it is
Scarlet fever is a contagious infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, the same germs that cause many sore throats. It mainly affects young children but can occur at any age. The illness usually begins with a sore throat, fever, headache and feeling generally unwell, followed within a day or two by a fine, pink-red rash that feels rough like sandpaper, often starting on the chest or tummy and spreading. Other typical features include flushed cheeks (often with a pale area around the mouth) and a coated then bright red, bumpy "strawberry" tongue. Scarlet fever is a notifiable condition in the UK, meaning doctors inform public health teams so outbreaks can be monitored. Most children recover well, especially when treated promptly, but treatment matters because it lowers the small risk of complications and helps stop the infection spreading to others.
How it is treated
Scarlet fever is usually diagnosed by its typical pattern of symptoms and is treated with a course of antibiotics. Treatment speeds recovery, makes the person less infectious sooner and reduces the risk of complications such as ear infections or, rarely, problems affecting the heart or kidneys. A penicillin antibiotic is the usual first choice; for people who are allergic to penicillin, a macrolide antibiotic is generally used instead. It is important to finish the full course even once symptoms improve. Alongside antibiotics, simple measures help comfort: rest, plenty of fluids, and pain or fever relief suitable for the person. Because scarlet fever spreads easily, anyone affected should stay away from school, nursery or work until they have had 24 hours of antibiotics and are feeling well. Watch for any signs of the illness worsening or new complications, and seek advice if the person is not improving as expected.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Scarlet fever
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Symptom checker
Symptoms that can point to Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever can be one cause of these symptoms. Each guide explains the other possible causes and the red-flag warning signs that mean you should get urgent help:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Good hygiene limits the spread: wash hands well and often, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, bin used tissues, and avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels, bedding or toys until the infection has settled. Keeping the affected person off school, nursery or work until they have completed 24 hours of antibiotics and feel better protects others, particularly anyone who is pregnant, newborn or has a weakened immune system.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or contact 111 if you think you or your child has scarlet fever, as antibiotics are recommended; treatment is more effective when started promptly. Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms do not start to improve within a few days of antibiotics, if they get worse, or if a high temperature returns. Call 999 or go to A&E if the person becomes very unwell — for example struggling to breathe, very drowsy or difficult to wake, showing signs of dehydration, or developing a rash that does not fade when pressed (which could point to a more serious infection). Anyone with a weakened immune system, who is pregnant, or caring for a newborn should seek advice early.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Scarlet fever: frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is treated with a course of antibiotics. A penicillin is the usual first choice; for people allergic to penicillin, a macrolide antibiotic is generally used instead. Antibiotics speed recovery, make the person less infectious and lower the risk of complications. Simple measures such as rest, fluids and suitable pain or fever relief help with comfort while the illness settles, and it is important to complete the full antibiotic course.
How long is scarlet fever contagious?
Scarlet fever spreads easily through coughs, sneezes and close contact. With antibiotic treatment, a person is usually no longer infectious after 24 hours of treatment. Without antibiotics they can remain contagious for much longer. This is why anyone affected should stay off school, nursery or work until they have had 24 hours of antibiotics and feel well.
When can my child go back to school?
A child with scarlet fever can return to school or nursery once they have had 24 hours of antibiotics and feel well enough. Going back before then risks spreading the infection to others. Good hand hygiene and not sharing cups, cutlery or towels also help prevent spread during recovery.
What is the strawberry tongue in scarlet fever?
Strawberry tongue is a classic sign of scarlet fever. Early on the tongue may have a white coating, which then peels to leave it red, swollen and bumpy — resembling a strawberry. Together with flushed cheeks and a fine, sandpaper-like rash, it helps point to the diagnosis, although a doctor confirms it from the overall picture.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- UK Health Security Agency
- NICE CKS: Scarlet fever.
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.