When to See Your Doctor
The Mayo Clinic advises that take your child to see a doctor if your child has a sore throat along with:
- A fever of 102 F or higher
- Swollen or tender glands in the neck
- A red rash
Scarlet fever is usually treated with a round of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. While it's easily cured with antibiotics, it can have serious long-term effects if left untreated. It can spread to the tonsils, lungs, skin, kidneys, blood, and middle ear. Rarely, untreated scarlet fever can lead to rheumatic fever.
It's normal to feel concerned if you suddenly see a rash on your child's tongue. But now that you know what to look out for, you should feel confident about seeing a doctor, so your child feels better as soon as possible!