Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is an acute contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract and skin It is caused by strains of *Streptococcus pyogenes* (group A Streptococcus) that produce pyrogenic exotoxins, occurring most frequently in children aged 5 to 15 years following streptococcal pharyngitis The condition is clinically characterized by high fever, pharyngitis, and a distinctive diffuse erythematous rash with a coarse "sandpaper" texture that bla...

Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is an acute contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract and skin

It is caused by strains of *Streptococcus pyogenes* (group A Streptococcus) that produce pyrogenic exotoxins, occurring most frequently in children aged 5 to 15 years following streptococcal pharyngitis

It is caused by strains of *Streptococcus pyogenes* (group A Streptococcus) that produce pyrogenic exotoxins, occurring most frequently in children aged 5 to 15 years following streptococcal pharyngitis

The condition is clinically characterized by high fever, pharyngitis, and a distinctive diffuse erythematous rash with a coarse "sandpaper" texture that blanches upon pressure

Pathognomonic physical examination findings include circumoral pallor, accentuated petechial folds in skin creases (Pastia lines), and an enlarged, papillated "strawberry tongue," often followed by fine desquamation during convalescence