When do skin peeling symptoms usually occur in scarlet fever?

In scarlet fever, skin peeling symptoms typically arise as a late occurrence, particularly after the initial rash has developed and begins to resolve. The rash associated with scarlet fever, which is caused by streptococcal bacteria and often accompanied by a characteristic fever and sore throat, usually appears first and is followed by the development of a fine, sandpaper-like texture. Once the rash fades, which can take around a week, the skin starts to peel, especially in areas like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This peeling is a result of the desquamation of the upper layer of skin and indicates that the body is beginning to heal from the infection.

The other timing options in the question do not align with the typical progression of the disease. Skin peeling does not coincide with the immediate onset of the rash or occur during the early stages of fever, as these symptoms occur before the skin starts to shed. Additionally, peeling is a recognizable symptom in scarlet fever, thus making the notion that it is "not observed at all" inaccurate.