Editing Scarlet fever (section)

===Differential diagnosis===
Scarlet fever might appear similar to [[Kawasaki disease]], which has a characteristic red but not white strawberry tongue, and [[Staphylococcal scarlet fever|staphylococcal scarlatina]] which does not have the strawberry tongue at all.<ref name=Andrew2020/> Other conditions that might appear similar include [[impetigo]], [[erysipelas]], [[measles]], [[chickenpox]], and [[hand-foot-and-mouth disease]], and may be distinguished by the pattern of symptoms.<ref name=Pardo2022/>

* Viral [[exanthem]]: Viral infections are often accompanied by a rash which can be described as [[morbilliform]] or [[Maculopapular rash|maculopapular]]. This type of rash is accompanied by a prodromal period of cough and runny nose in addition to a fever, indicative of a viral process.<ref name="Kaspar-2015"/>
* Allergic or [[contact dermatitis]]: The erythematous appearance of the skin will be in a more localized distribution rather than the diffuse and generalized rash seen in scarlet fever.<ref name="Usatine-2013"/>
* [[Drug eruption]]: These are potential side effects of taking certain drugs such as penicillin. The reddened maculopapular rash which results can be itchy and be accompanied by a fever.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Ferri's Color Atlas and Text of Clinical Medicine|last=Ferri|first=Fred|publisher=Saunders|year=2009|pages=47–48}}</ref>
* Kawasaki disease: Children with this disease also present with a strawberry tongue and undergo a desquamative process on their palms and soles. However, these children tend to be younger than five years old, their fever lasts longer (at least five days), and they have additional clinical criteria (including signs such as conjunctival redness and cracked lips), which can help distinguish this from scarlet fever.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Cardiology | edition=Third |last=Kato |first=Hirohisa|publisher=Elsevier |year=2010|pages=1613–1626}}</ref>
* [[Toxic shock syndrome]]: Both streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria can cause this syndrome. Clinical manifestations include diffuse rash and desquamation of the palms and soles. It can be distinguished from scarlet fever by low blood pressure, lack of sandpaper texture for the rash, and multi-organ system involvement.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Clinical Dermatology|last=Habif|first=Thomas|publisher=Elsevier|year=2016|pages=534–576}}</ref>
* [[Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome]]: This is a disease that occurs primarily in young children due to a toxin-producing strain of the bacteria ''Staphylococcus aureus''. The abrupt start of the fever and diffused sunburned appearance of the rash can resemble scarlet fever. However, this rash is associated with tenderness and large blister formation. These blisters easily pop, followed by causing the skin to peel.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Emergency Medicine Clinical Essentials|last=Adams|first=James|publisher=Saunders|year=2013|pages=149–158}}</ref>
* Staphylococcal scarlet fever: The rash is identical to the streptococcal scarlet fever in distribution and texture, but the skin affected by the rash will be tender.<ref name=Zitelli2023/>