Complications of scarlet fever

Mostcases of scarlet fever don't cause complications, particularly ifthe condition is properly treated.

In the early stages, there's a small risk of:

• an Otitis media
• a throat abscess (painful collection of pus)
• sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
• pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)

Very rare complications that can occur at a later stage include:

• rheumatic fever , which can cause joint pain, chest pain and shortness of breath
• glomerulonephritis (damage to the tiny filters inside the kidneys)
• liver damage
• osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
• blood poisoning
• necrotising fasciitis (a flesh-eating disease)
• toxic shock syndrome (a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection)

You may have one of these rare complications if you're very unwell, in severe pain and have a severe headache , vomiting or diarrhoea .

See your GP immediately if any of these symptoms appear in the first few weeks after the main infection has cleared up.