Parents often ask about scarlet fever in their child’s classroom, and our child has had a fever for the past two days. There are many questions such as these, so what exactly is scarlet fever like? Scarlet fever is a respiratory disease caused by group A hemolytic streptococcal infection. Patients usually have a history of exposure to scarlet fever within one week, and the typical onset of scarlet fever is relatively rapid, with high fever, sore throat, a diffuse red rash all over the body, and post-rash desquamation as the main manifestations. The rash may appear as “paresthesia lines” due to the density of the rash. However, in some mild cases, the fever may be low and the rash may not be obvious, so the symptoms are not typical. If a child has been exposed to scarlet fever and has symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, a rash all over the body, and strawberry tongue, it is necessary to go to the hospital for further examination. Usually in the hospital we will check the child’s blood count, throat swab, C-reactive protein, etc. If there is an increase in blood count mainly in the form of elevated neutrophils and elevated CRP, the possibility of scarlet fever is highly suspected. For the treatment of children without penicillin allergy we usually give penicillin for about 1 week, and those with penicillin allergy can use sulfanilamide, erythromycin, etc. Since scarlet fever can cause metabolic reactions and further damage to the heart, kidneys and joints, it needs to be brought to the attention of mothers and fathers, and early treatment can reduce the occurrence of serious illness. Since the child has a sore throat, it may be difficult for him/her to eat. During this time, the child can be given a liquid or semi-liquid diet or lighter food. Children with high fevers can be given ibuprofen and acetaminophen to reduce fever. There are also some cases of scarlet fever that can be contracted through the soft tissues of the skin and the birth canal, which we call the “surgical” type of scarlet fever.