A strep throat rash can occur as a complication of strep throat, also known as strep throat infection. Strep throat rash does not affect everyone who gets strep throat. Experts believe that the skin rash occurs only in those who are allergic to the toxins released by the strep bacteria.
Strep throat, an inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils usually caused by a strain of the strep bacteria, is thought to be most common in people ages five to fifteen. Strep throat can cause serious complications, such as rheumatic fever and scarlet fever, if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of strep throat infection can include sudden fever. The fever associated with active strep throat infection usually reaches its highest temperature on the second day of infection. The throat may feel sore and swollen, and white patches may appear in the back of the throat. Nausea, chills, upset stomach, and headache often accompany this infection, along with general feelings of illness. Decreased appetite, inability to taste food normally, swollen lymph nodes in the throat, and difficulty swallowing also often accompany a strep throat infection.
There are several strains of strep bacteria that can cause strep throat in humans. Not all of these strains are capable of causing the skin rash known as strep throat rash. The strains that can cause strep throat rash can vary from person to person, as the rash is thought to be the result of an allergic reaction to toxins that the strep bacteria can release as part of their normal life cycle.
Strep throat infections can be diagnosed by culturing a swab from the back of the throat. Rapid tests, which take 10 to 20 minutes to return results, are typically used by health care providers to make a quick diagnosis. In general, prompt diagnosis is recommended in children, who are considered to be at the highest risk of dangerous complications. However, these rapid tests are not always accurate, and a second swab may be sent to the laboratory for a more complete and precise examination. Lab test results are typically returned within 24-48 hours.
Strep throat infections and strep throat rash can usually be easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. Penicillin may be the most popular antibiotic used to treat this infection, but other antibiotics are available for those who cannot take penicillin. A 10-day course of antibiotics is usually prescribed. People with strep throat infections can be considered contagious for 24 to 48 hours after starting a 10-day course of antibiotics.