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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Slapped Cheek and Scarlet Fever?

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Slapped cheek and scarlet fever are two different medical conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as a red rash on the skin affecting the cheeks and trunk. However, they have distinct differences:

Slapped Cheek:

  • Caused by parvovirus B19.
  • A mild viral infection.
  • Most commonly affects children aged 5-15 years.
  • Symptoms usually appear around 2 weeks after infection.
  • Rash typically lasts for around two weeks but can continue after that.
  • Other symptoms may include red eyes, swollen glands, sore throat, and diarrhoea.

Scarlet Fever:

  • Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium.
  • More common in children aged 4-8.
  • Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, sore throat, headache, and vomiting.
  • Erythematous rash with scarlet macules develops within 12-48 hours.
  • Rash spreads from face to the trunk and limbs.
  • Other features include strawberry tongue, white-coated tongue with red papillae showing through.

Treatment for slapped cheek is usually not necessary, but a pharmacist may recommend an antihistamine for an itchy rash. For scarlet fever, antibiotics are typically prescribed. If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

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  • What is the Difference Between Slapped Cheek and Scarlet Fever?
  • Comparative Table: Slapped Cheek vs Scarlet Fever

    • Comparative Table: Slapped Cheek vs Scarlet Fever

    The main differences between slapped cheek and scarlet fever are their causative agents, symptoms, and treatments. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two conditions:

    Feature Slapped Cheek Scarlet Fever
    Causative Agent Parvovirus B19 Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus)
    Age Group Affected 3-15 years <10 years
    Transmission Respiratory droplets Respiratory droplets
    Infective Period No longer infective once rash appears Isolate from school until after 24 hours of antibiotics
    Rash Red rash on face sparing the nose, perioral and periorbital regions. May spread to trunk and limbs as a macular rash, especially on extensor surfaces Diffuse erythema/maculopapular rash of face, trunk, and limbs. Begins on neck or upper trunk. May peel. Circumoral pallor on face. Sandpaper texture
    Other Symptoms Rash preceded 1/52 by coryza, sore throat, headache, low-grade fever Rash preceded 1-2 days by fever, sore throat, myalgias, vomiting. Strawberry tongue. Cervical lymphadenopathy
    Treatment Usually none 10/7 phenoxymethylpenicillin
    Notifiable No Yes

    Both conditions are predominantly affecting children and can be diagnosed through physical symptoms evaluation.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.