Strep and staph bacteria can cause cellulitis, a painful skin infection that can spread from one area of the body to another. Strep throat can also lead to cellulitis, and it’s important to get treatment to avoid complications like toxic shock syndrome. Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection.
Streptococcus bacteria, known colloquially as “strep,” are a common cause of cellulitis, a painful skin infection that can become very serious. The connection between strep throat and cellulitis is important to keep in mind, as it is possible to spread a strep infection from one area of the body to another. Additionally, many people carry strep throat without any symptoms and could potentially cause skin infections in immunocompromised individuals by coming into close contact with them.
The other main cause of cellulitis is the Staphylococcus bacteria, known as staphylococcus. Both strep and staph bacteria are naturally present in the environment and typically cause an infection by getting into a small break in the skin. A simple cut or scrape can invite strep and cellulitis will follow as the bacteria will quickly colonize the upper layers of the skin and begin to burrow deeper to cause a very painful infection.
One problem with strep throat and cellulitis is that strep throat naturally produces compounds that attack the immune system. The body is unable to respond to the bacteria and this allows the infection to spread. A small, raised rash usually occurs with staph, but in strep infections, the rash can quickly travel across an entire limb. The patient’s skin will become red, swollen and tender. You may experience pain and irritation, and sometimes your skin will feel tight.
If a doctor suspects strep and cellulitis, they may give antibiotics to treat the infection. It may require a curettage to confirm the diagnosis and check for antibiotic susceptibility. This reduces the chances of prescribing a drug that the bacteria don’t respond to, ensuring that the patient gets the right drug from the start. Treatment may also involve cleaning the area regularly with mild soap and keeping it covered with loose, clean, breathable clothing to avoid irritation.
It’s very important to get treatment for it, as the infection can spread and cause complications like toxic shock syndrome. Parents should be aware of a particular risk of strep and cellulitis with babies known as perianal strep cellulitis, where babies transfer the bacteria from their hands to the anal area. This causes cellulitis, which leads to pain and swelling around the anus. Children should be taught to wash their hands after coughing or handling infected tissue. Proper bathroom hygiene, including consistent cleaning patterns and using the sink after you’re done in the bathroom, will also help reduce the risks of transferring bacteria between different areas of the body.
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