Overview
Staphylococcal scarlet fever is an infectious illness caused by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that release toxins called exfoliative toxins or staphylococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. Unlike the more well-known streptococcal scarlet fever (caused by strep bacteria), this condition is triggered by staph bacteria producing toxins that affect the skin and body. The illness typically causes a widespread red rash that feels rough like sandpaper, fever, and skin peeling, especially on the hands and feet as the illness resolves. The toxins released by the bacteria travel through the bloodstream and cause the immune system to react strongly, leading to the characteristic rash and other symptoms. The skin may look flushed and red across large areas of the body. In some cases, the condition can overlap with or lead to other staph-related skin conditions such as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, particularly in young children. Treatment focuses on eliminating the bacterial infection with antibiotics, most commonly penicillin-based drugs or, if the patient is allergic, alternatives such as clindamycin or erythromycin. Supportive care to manage fever and discomfort is also important. Most people recover fully with prompt treatment, and serious complications are uncommon when the infection is caught and treated early.
Key symptoms:
Widespread red rash that feels rough like sandpaperHigh feverSkin peeling, especially on the hands, feet, and groin areaFlushed or red faceSore throat or skin infection at the source of the bacteriaSwollen lymph nodes in the neckHeadacheNausea or vomitingGeneral feeling of being unwell or tiredRedness in the skin folds such as the armpits or groin
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Staphylococcal scarlet fever.
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View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Staphylococcal scarlet fever at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Staphylococcal scarlet fever.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Staphylococcal scarlet fever.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How do I know if this is staphylococcal scarlet fever and not streptococcal scarlet fever, and does it change the treatment?,Which antibiotic is being prescribed, and what should I do if my child or I have a reaction to it?,How long will it take for the rash and skin peeling to go away?,When is it safe to return to school or work?,What warning signs should prompt me to go to the emergency room?,Is there a risk that other family members could catch this infection?,Should we test for antibiotic-resistant staph (MRSA), and how would that change treatment?
Common questions about Staphylococcal scarlet fever
What is Staphylococcal scarlet fever?
Staphylococcal scarlet fever is an infectious illness caused by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that release toxins called exfoliative toxins or staphylococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. Unlike the more well-known streptococcal scarlet fever (caused by strep bacteria), this condition is triggered by staph bacteria producing toxins that affect the skin and body. The illness typically causes a widespread red rash that feels rough like sandpaper, fever, and skin peeling, especially on the hands and feet as the illness resolves. The toxins released by the bacteria travel through the b
How is Staphylococcal scarlet fever inherited?
Staphylococcal scarlet fever follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.