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Warning-sign checks

Scarlet fever: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for:

    • Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or blue or grey lips
    • Severe trouble swallowing with drooling or inability to swallow saliva
    • Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking
    • A rapidly worsening condition with severe pain, cold or mottled skin, or fainting
    • Swelling of the face or tongue, wheezing, or collapse after medicine

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical assessment for a fever, sore throat, and sandpaper-like rash.

    Assessment is particularly important for a child, someone who is pregnant, or a person with a weakened immune system.

    Seek same-day medical advice if:

    • Fluids are difficult to swallow or signs of dehydration develop
    • Fever or other symptoms worsen or do not improve after 48 hours of antibiotics
    • There is increasing neck swelling or severe one-sided throat pain
    • A medicine causes a new rash, vomiting, or other suspected reaction
    • Dark urine, reduced urination, facial swelling, or joint swelling develops later

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    It can be discussed during routine follow-up if it is painful, widespread, or not settling.

The article also says

A mild peeling rash during recovery is usually not urgent.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Scarlet fever. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.