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Paediatrics · Scarlet fever and Strep A · Private clinic in East London

Private scarlet fever and strep a clinic in London, same-day paediatrics.

Scarlet fever is caused by group A streptococcus, the same bacterium behind most bacterial sore throats. Unlike the viral rashes of childhood, it needs a full course of antibiotics — both to shorten the illness and to prevent complications that were once common and are now rare precisely because we treat it. Our private paediatrics clinic in East London offers same-day scarlet fever and strep a assessment with a private paediatrician, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.

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The condition

What is scarlet fever and strep a?

Scarlet fever is caused by group A streptococcus, the same bacterium behind most bacterial sore throats. Unlike the viral rashes of childhood, it needs a full course of antibiotics — both to shorten the illness and to prevent complications that were once common and are now rare precisely because we treat it.

  • What scarlet fever and strep a is
  • Symptoms to look for
  • Causes & risk factors
  • Tests & diagnosis
  • Treatment options
  • When to see a specialist

Understanding scarlet fever and strep a

Scarlet fever and Strep A: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment

Call 999 or go to an emergency department if a child

  • is breathing very fast, or working hard to breathe
  • has severe muscle aches or pain out of proportion to what you can see
  • is very drowsy, floppy, confused or difficult to rouse
  • has cold hands and feet with mottled or blue skin
  • has not passed urine for 12 hours, or has no tears when crying
  • has an area of skin that is rapidly becoming red, hot and severely painful

Invasive group A strep is rare but serious and can develop quickly, sometimes after chickenpox or a minor skin injury. Trust your judgement about how unwell a child looks rather than the rash itself. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.

Recognising scarlet fever

  • Sore throat and fever first, often with headache, vomiting and abdominal pain
  • A fine pink-red rash appearing 12 to 48 hours later, typically starting on the chest and abdomen and spreading. It feels like sandpaper to the touch — the texture is more reliable than the colour, particularly on darker skin
  • Flushed cheeks with a pale ring around the mouth
  • A white coating on the tongue that peels to leave it red and bumpy — strawberry tongue
  • The rash is more intense in skin creases, at the elbows, armpits and groin
  • Skin peeling from the fingertips, toes and groin in the weeks afterwards

Treatment

  • A ten-day course of antibiotics, usually penicillin. The full course matters even though the child feels better within a day or two — the point of the last days is preventing complications, not treating symptoms.
  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and throat pain.
  • Plenty of cool drinks; soft food if swallowing hurts.
  • Calamine or an antihistamine if the rash is itchy.
  • Keep fingernails short to limit scratching.

Do not give ibuprofen if there is chickenpox as well

Anti-inflammatory medicines during chickenpox are associated with severe streptococcal skin and soft tissue infection. Strep A infection following chickenpox is a recognised and dangerous combination. If your child has chickenpox and develops a fever that returns, or an area of skin that becomes red, hot and very painful, seek help urgently and use paracetamol only.

School, nursery and spread

24 hoursoff school after starting antibiotics
2–5 daysincubation from exposure
Notifiablewe report cases to public health
  • Children can return 24 hours after starting antibiotics, provided they are well enough.
  • Without antibiotics, someone remains infectious for two to three weeks.
  • Wash hands frequently, bin used tissues, and do not share cups, cutlery or towels.
  • Scarlet fever is a notifiable disease — we are required to inform public health, which is how outbreaks in schools are identified and managed.
  • Tell the school or nursery, particularly if other children have sore throats.

Why the full course matters

Untreated streptococcal infection can be followed by rheumatic fever, affecting the heart valves, and by a kidney condition called glomerulonephritis. Both are now uncommon in the UK, and that is a direct consequence of treating streptococcal infection properly. It is also why a child who cannot tolerate the medicine, or vomits it repeatedly, should be reviewed rather than left to see how it goes.

Book an appointment if your child has a sore throat with a rash, is not improving after 48 hours on antibiotics, develops a fever that returns after settling, or you would like a throat swab. We see children 7 days a week and can swab and treat in a single visit.

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Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.

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You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.

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Private assessment

See a private paediatrician for scarlet fever and strep a in London

At our private paediatrics clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private paediatrician or scarlet fever and strep a doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant paediatrician will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about scarlet fever and strep a.

Book a private scarlet fever and strep a assessment

Local, private, fast

A private paediatrics clinic for East London & Canary Wharf

Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private scarlet fever and strep a appointment with a paediatrician, without the wait or the referral.

Why choose us

Why choose our East London private paediatrics clinic

  • Same-day, no referral — private GP and paediatrics under one roof
  • Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
  • Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
  • Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
  • A named clinician who explains your results clearly
  • Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on

Ready when you are

See a private paediatrician for scarlet fever and strep a — the same day.

Book a private scarlet fever and strep a assessment in East London: same-day appointments, paediatrician-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.

Book same-day appointment 020 7916 0029

Common questions

Scarlet fever and Strep A in London: your questions answered

Where can I find a private scarlet fever and strep a specialist near me in East London?

Our private paediatrics clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private paediatrician or scarlet fever and strep a doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.

Can I see a private paediatrician for scarlet fever and strep a the same day?

Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a paediatrician or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.

How much does a private scarlet fever and strep a appointment cost in London?

We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the scarlet fever and strep a assessment and any tests before you book.

Do I need a referral to see a private paediatrician for scarlet fever and strep a?

No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a paediatrician, we will guide you.

Which areas do you serve for private scarlet fever and strep a care?

We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.

Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.

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Paediatrics
Specialist-led

Paediatrics

Consultant children's care.

Children's GP
Same-day

Children's GP

Same-day GP for children.

Children's Services
All ages

Children's Services

Everything under one roof.

Children's Blood Tests
Gentle

Children's Blood Tests

Numbing-cream phlebotomy.

Insurance accepted
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Trusted partners
CQCCare Quality Commission GMCGeneral Medical Council PabauPractice management & online booking TDLThe Doctors Laboratory
In an emergency, call 999. Tower Bridge Hospital London is not an emergency service. Your nearest A&E is The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road E1 1FR — 5 minutes’ walk from our front door.

Areas we serve

Private scarlet fever and strep a care in London & East London — Whitechapel, the City & Canary Wharf

Patients visit our Whitechapel clinic for private scarlet fever and Strep A assessment and treatment from right across London and East London, the City and the Docklands — including Aldgate, Bethnal Green, Bow, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Stratford, Bermondsey and the surrounding areas. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available and you do not need a GP referral.

Easy to reach — minutes from the Royal London Hospital and Aldgate East, Whitechapel, Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations, and one stop from Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth line.

Private scarlet fever and strep a treatment near me? If you are searching for private scarlet fever and strep a treatment near me, a scarlet fever and strep a doctor or specialist near me, or a private clinic near me in East London, our Whitechapel practice is on your doorstep — walk-in and same-day appointments, no GP referral, and no long NHS waiting list.

Book a same-day appointment or call 020 7916 0029. See our transparent fees. Open 7 days a week, 9am–7pm. Private clinic on Whitechapel Road, London E1 — serving Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Islington, the City of London and Southwark.

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