Scarlet fever - a diagnostic challenge for dentists and physicians: A report of 2 cases with diverse symptoms.

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococcal bacteria, transmitted mainly through direct contact with the saliva and nasal fluids of infected people. It may also arise from streptococcal wound infections or burns. The disease most commonly affects children aged 5-15 years and manifests as a sore throat, fever and a sandpaper-like, papular skin rash. Due to the evident involvement of the oral structures, the awareness of the symptoms of scarlet fever is essential for dentists in order to avoid the spread of this highly contagious disease in crowded places, such as kindergartens and schools. As no vaccine is available to prevent scarlet fever, the early diagnosis and treatment of this condition are important in reducing the risk of developing local and systemic complications, which include acute rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, bacteremia, pneumonia, endocarditis, and meningitis. In this report, 2 cases of scarlet fever are described in unrelated children with diverse symptoms, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are discussed.