What it means
It usually comes with strep throat and is most common in children aged 5 to 15. The rash feels like sandpaper, and the tongue may look red and bumpy (strawberry tongueSTRAW-bair-ee TUNGA swollen, red tongue with enlarged bumps on its surface, looking like a strawberry.Full entry ). It is treated with an antibiotic such as penicillin or amoxicillin; finishing the full course helps prevent later problems such as rheumatic feverroo-MAT-ik FEE-verAn inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the heart, joints, skin and brain weeks after a strep throat infection.Full entry .
For the nurse
Use droplet precautions until the child has had 24 hours of antibiotics. Teach the family to finish every dose, to keep the child home until 24 hours after starting treatment and fever-free, and to replace the toothbrush.
At a glance
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Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
rheumatic fever
An inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the heart, joints, skin and brain weeks after a strep throat infection.
strawberry tongue
A swollen, red tongue with enlarged bumps on its surface, looking like a strawberry.