In this Article

• Overview of streptococcal infections
• Strep throat
• Skin infections: Impetigo, Cellulitis, Erysipelas
• Impetigo
• Cellulitis and erysipelas
• Scarlet fever
• Severe strep infections
• Research
• Streptococcal Infections Glossary
• Streptococcal Infections Index

Skin infections: Impetigo, Cellulitis, Erysipelas

Impetigo

Impetigo is an infection of the top layers of the skin and is most common among children ages 2 to 6 years. It usually starts when the bacteria get into a cut, scratch, or insect bite. Impetigo is usually caused by staphylococcus (staph), a different bacterium, but can be caused by group A streptococcus. Skin infections are usually caused by different types (strains) of strep bacteria than those that cause strep throat. Therefore, the types of strep germs that cause impetigo are usually different from those that cause strep throat.

Symptoms of impetigo

Symptoms start with red or pimple-like lesions (sores) surrounded by reddened skin. These lesions can be anywhere on your body, but mostly on your face, arms, and legs. Lesions fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust. Itching is common. Your health care provider can diagnose the infection by looking at the skin lesions.

Transmission of impetigo

The infection is spread by direct contact with wounds or sores or nasal discharge from an infected person. Scratching may spread the lesions. From the time of infection until you show symptoms is usually 1 to 3 days. If your skin doesn't have breaks in it, you can't be infected by dried streptococci in the air.

Treatment for impetigo

Your health care provider will prescribe oral antibiotics, as with strep throat. This treatment may also include an antibiotic ointment to be used on your skin.

Cellulitis and erysipelas

Cellulitis is inflammation of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Erysipelas is an inflammatory disease of the upper layers of the skin. Group A strep germs are the most common cause of both conditions.

Symptoms of cellulitis and erysipelas

Symptoms of cellulitis may include fever and chills and swollen "glands" or lymph nodes. Your skin will be painful, red, and tender. Your skin may blister and then scab over. You may also have perianal (around the anus) cellulitis may with itching and painful bowel movements.

With erysipelas, a fiery red rash with raised borders may occur on your face, arms, or legs. Your skin will be hot, red, and have sharply defined raised areas. The infection may come back, causing chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema).

Transmission of cellulitis or erysipelas

Both cellulitis and erysipelas begin with a minor incident, such as a bruise. They can also begin at the site of a burn, surgical cut, or wound, and usually affect your arm or leg. When the rash appears on your trunk, arms, or legs, however, it is usually at the site of a surgical cut or wound. Even if you have no symptoms, you carry the germs on your skin or in your nasal passages and can transmit the disease to others.

Diagnosis and treatment of cellulitis and erysipelas

Your health care provider may take a sample or culture from your skin lesions to identify the bacteria causing infection. He or she may also recover the bacteria from your blood. Depending on how severe the infection is, treatment involves either oral or intravenous (through the vein) antibiotics.