Diseases and Conditions

Scarlet fever

Complications

If scarlet fever goes untreated, the bacteria may spread to the:

  • Tonsils
  • Lungs
  • Skin
  • Kidneys
  • Blood
  • Middle ear

Rarely, scarlet fever can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious condition that can affect the:

  • Heart
  • Joints
  • Nervous system
  • Skin