5. Strawberry Tongue – A Distinctive Oral Symptom
A unique symptom of Scarlet Fever is the so-called ‘strawberry tongue.’ Initially, the tongue may have a white coating through which swollen red papillae (taste buds) protrude. After a day or two, the white coating usually sloughs off, leaving the tongue red, swollen, and bumpy, resembling a strawberry.
This symptom is fairly distinctive to Scarlet Fever. While other illnesses might cause changes in the tongue’s appearance, the combination of a white coating followed by a bright red, swollen tongue is particularly indicative of this condition.
Good oral hygiene and soothing mouthwashes can provide comfort. However, as with other symptoms of Scarlet Fever, the key is treating the underlying bacterial infection with the prescribed course of antibiotics.
The appearance of strawberry tongue is a clear indicator for clinicians in diagnosing Scarlet Fever. It’s a visual cue that aids in differentiating this illness from other throat infections, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment. (5)
