Scarlet fever - Complications of scarlet fever

Most cases of scarlet fever cause no complications, especially if the condition is properly treated.

In the early stages, there is a small risk of:

an ear infection
a throat abscess (painful collection of pus)
sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)
meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)

Very rare complications that can occur at a later stage include:

rheumatic fever, which can cause pain in the joints, chest pain and shortness of breath
glomerulonephritis (damage to the tiny filters inside your kidneys)
liver damage
osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
blood poisoning
necrotising fasciitis (a flesh-eating disease)
toxic shock syndrome (a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection)

You may have one of these rare complications if you are very unwell, in severe pain and have severe headache, vomiting or diarrhoea. See your GP immediately if any of these symptoms appear in the first few weeks after the main infection has cleared up.