Perianal cellulitis

Perianal cellulitis is commonly seen in children aged 7 months to 8 years. This condition is characterized by well demarcated erythema which may be accompanied by painful defaecation, itching and bleeding. The cause is often local infection with group-A beta haemolytic streptoccoci. The Perianal cellulitis is also known as streptococcal proctitis. It is an inflammation of the anus and rectum. It is caused by the streptococcus bacteria. It is basically a disease of children and most often occurs in conjunction with a strep throat or nasopharyngitis. Most of the children are thought to inoculate the skin around the anus while cleaning the area after using the toilet or by scratching with hands contaminated by secretions from their mouth or nose. Symptoms comprise of an expanding area of redness around the anus, complaints of itching and pain and, on occasion, pain with bowel movements. In some of the children fever may also emerge.

What are the causes of perianal cellulitis?

Perianal cellulitis can also cause rectal itching and is many a time misdiagnosed as a pinworm infestation. If your child also has redness around his rectum and/or doesn't react to pinworm treatments or has multiple negative pinworm preps, one might ask your doctor about perianal cellulitis, which requires treatment with antibiotics and can be diagnosed with a regular rapid strep test or culture. Group-A hemolytic streptococci is implicated in a variety of common childhood cutaneous infections. Many an infants and young children might be particularly susceptible to a form of streptococcal intertrigo that has heretofore been under-recognized in this population. Manifesting as intense, fiery-red erythema and maceration in the intertriginous folds of the neck, axillae, or inguinal spaces, the condition is featured by a distinctive foul odor and an absence of satellite lesions. Specific clinical features help differentiating this condition from its clinical mimics. Topical and oral antibiotic therapy with or without concomitant low-potency topical steroid application is usually curative.

What are the related infections of Perianal Cellulitis?

Perianal streptococcal dermatitis is a bright red, sharply demarcated rash that is caused because of the group-A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Symptoms comprise of perianal rash, itching and rectal pain; blood-streaked stools may also be seen in one third of patients. It primarily takes place in children between six months and 10 years of age and is often misdiagnosed and treated inappropriately. A speedy streptococcal test of suspicious areas can confirm the diagnosis. Routine skin culture is a substitute diagnostic aid. Treatment with amoxicillin or penicillin is also effective.

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