Streptoderma is a purulent-inflammatory skin disease caused by streptococcal bacteria. The disease is most common in young children of preschool age, because their immune systems are insufficiently formed, and they cannot constantly follow the rules of hygiene.
Causes of the disease
The causative agents of streptoderma are microorganisms from the streptococcus family, which are typical representatives of the conditionally pathogenic microflora of the body. With the normal functioning of the child's immune system, the skin retains its integrity, however, just one provoking factor is enough for the pathogenic reproduction of microflora to begin. The following causes of streptoderma are distinguished:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- temperature changes due to climate variability;
- circulatory problems;
- contacts with sources of infection (toys, household items, as well as other children);
- microtrauma on the body (abrasions or cuts);
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- weakened immunity;
- intoxication;
- stress.
Most of the factors in the development of the disease are characteristic of the summer period, when children spend a lot of time on a dusty and dirty street. In addition, numerous insects carry bacteria, transmitting infection through bites. Often, streptoderma occurs in winter against a background of weakened immunity.
A separate feature of the disease is that it can be epidemic in nature. Outbreaks of streptoderma are often observed in schools and kindergartens, as well as sports clubs and hobby groups. The disease spreads quickly through contact with infected children, so it is important to identify it as soon as possible and take the necessary measures to ensure quarantine.
Streptoderma symptoms
After the fall of streptococci into the child's body, the clinical picture of the disease usually begins to appear after a week, which is the incubation period of the infection. The main (specific) and additional symptoms of the disease are distinguished. The main ones are the following:
- redness of various parts of the body;
- the appearance of bubbles on the skin filled with a yellowish liquid (within a few days they increase in size and then burst);
- the appearance of erosion with uneven edges, eventually forming a yellow crust;
- intolerable itching (scratching the affected areas only aggravates the disease and delays treatment).
Additional symptoms are:
- temperature increase;
- nausea and vomiting;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- the presence of malaise (weakness, lack of appetite, sleep disturbance).
Varieties of streptoderma
Experts distinguish different types of the disease according to its characteristic features:
- In form (streptococcal impetigo, lichen, tournament, angulitis, superficial panaritium, streptococcal diaper rash). This characteristic provides for a certain symptomatology and nature of infection with streptococcal infections.
- According to the severity of the manifestation (acute streptoderma with pronounced symptoms and rapid recovery or chronic, which is characterized by a sluggish course, has periods of exacerbation and occurs once or several times a year).
- In depth (superficial streptoderma remains in the upper layers of the skin, without penetrating the body, while deep affects the internal organs and causes various complications).
- By localization (common streptoderma affects large areas of the body, and limited is the localization of abscesses in a certain area, for example, on the face, back or buttocks).
- According to the condition of plaques (dry streptoderma is released, when the bubbles that appear on the skin burst, and in their place flaky eczema or scabs form, as well as weeping, in which the skin is corroded by purulent fluid).
- By the nature of its occurrence (primary streptoderma occurs due to injury to the skin or contact with a source of pathogenic organisms, and repeated or secondary is a consequence of another disease, for example, atopic eczema).
Diagnostics
Often, redness and rashes on the skin of a child, which are one of the primary signs of streptoderma, are mistaken by parents for other, less dangerous diseases, for example, allergies, hives or chickenpox. However, any pathological changes should be a signal to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. It is important to quickly make the correct diagnosis and start treatment in order to avoid possible complications.
Depending on the general condition of the child and the form of the disease, the following types of examinations are carried out:
- body examination;
- identification of primary and secondary signs;
- bacteriological inoculation of bubbly fluid to determine the pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics;
- FEGDS or ultrasound for examining the gastrointestinal tract (if chronic streptoderma is suspected);
- coprogram;
- general and hormonal blood tests.
Streptoderma treatment
Treatment of the disease in children should be carried out exclusively in accordance with the instructions of the doctor, but not in any way by the parents. The thoughtless use of various medications without the appointment of a dermatologist can lead to serious complications, which will require more prolonged treatment in the future, and irreparable consequences will be inflicted on the child's health.
Disinfecting solutions such as salicylic acid, boric alcohol or silver nitrate are becoming one of the main agents for the treatment of streptoderma. Usually they are recommended to be applied to the affected skin three times a day. After the bubbles burst, an antibacterial compress based on tetracycline or streptocidal ointment is applied to the appropriate places. Also, open wounds are treated with alcoholic antiseptic solutions - Levomycetin alcohol, Fukortsin, Potassium Permanganate or Miramistin. There are also special antibacterial ointments against streptoderma - Lincomycin, Erythromycin and Levomekol.
Local medications do a good job with uncomplicated streptoderma and thanks to them, no scars remain on the body in the future. The correct dosage, selected by the doctor, does not allow the infection to spread throughout the body and quickly dries out open foci of infection. However, the course of treatment for the disease must also include many other drugs, the purpose of which is to protect and strengthen the body. These include:
- antihistamines that help eliminate itching with streptoderma, improve sleep, appetite and overall well-being of the child;
- antibiotics - unwanted and yet necessary drugs, the action of which is aimed at destroying the main pathogenic organisms of the infection - streptococci;
- multivitamins aimed at restoring a small organism after streptoderma;
- immunomodulators are the main drugs against the development of a recurrent or chronic form of streptoderma, helping the body to cope with the disease faster, avoiding complications.
In the presence of a high temperature, as well as revealing the resistance of bacteria to certain types of medications, the child is hospitalized. In medical conditions, for the treatment of streptoderma, physiotherapy procedures such as laser therapy, UV irradiation and UHF can be used. The recovery period after the disappearance of the main symptoms of the disease is at least 7-10 days. During this time, the child should be isolated from other children and other possible sources of recurrence.
