Emergency department doctors in Cornwall have underlined advice to parents amid a national increase in cases of scarlet fever and concern about rare cases where this can lead to a serious bloodstream infection.

Emergency department consultant Dr Toby Slade said: "Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is not usually serious but should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications (such as pneumonia) and to reduce the risk of spread to others.

"Early symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. After 12 to 48 hours, the characteristic red, pinhead rash develops, typically first appearing on the chest and stomach, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, and giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture. The scarlet rash may be harder to spot on darker skin, although the 'sandpaper' feel should be present. Patients typically have flushed cheeks and be pale around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bright red 'strawberry' tongue.

"Strep A is a very treatable infection. As with any winter period, there are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs and these should generally resolve without medical intervention. As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, always trust your own judgement".

Contact your own GP during surgery hours or call 111 out of hours if:

your child is getting worse

your child is feeding or eating much less than normal

your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration

your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher

your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty

your child is very tired or irritable.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs

there are pauses when your child breathes

your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue

your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.

Swabbing is only used to diagnose scarlet fever if the clinician thinks it is essential. General cold and sore throats will not require a swab.

New guidance for patients and the public is available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/