Etiology
1. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection
Signs
1. Fever
  1. Peaks on Day 2
  2. Returns to normal on Day 5-7
2. Chills
3. Headache
4. Vomiting
5. Pharyngitis
  1. Tonsils are hyperemic and edematous, with exudate
  2. Throat is inflamed and covered by a membrane
6. Tongue dorsum with a white exudate
  1. Projecting edematous papillae
7. Rash
  1. Fine papular or punctate lesions
    1. Texture of coarse sandpaper
  2. Rash begins in axillae, groin and neck
    1. Generalizes within 24 hours
  3. Forehead and cheeks appear flushed
  4. Circumoral pallor
Management
1. Penicillin V
2. Amoxicillin
3. Erythromycin (If Penicillin allergic)

Family Practice Notebook

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 10/21/2007 and last published on 2/5/2012.

This is one of 5663 pages in the Family Practice Notebook