From the Guidelines
Strep A skin lesions are characterized by discrete purulent lesions, nearly always caused by b-hemolytic streptococci and/or S. aureus, and typically occur on the skin as impetigo or pyoderma. The characteristics of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) skin lesions can be understood by examining the evidence from various studies.
- The lesions are typically discrete and purulent, and are nearly always caused by b-hemolytic streptococci and/or S. aureus 1.
- Impetigo, a common skin infection, is characterized by these lesions and is prevalent in tropical or subtropical regions, as well as in northern climates during the summer months 1.
- The peak incidence of impetigo is among children aged 2–5 years, although older children and adults may also be afflicted, with no sex predilection and all races being susceptible 1.
- Prospective studies have demonstrated that the responsible microorganisms initially colonize the unbroken skin, highlighting the influence of personal hygiene on disease incidence 1.
- The 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends treating bullous and nonbullous impetigo with either topical mupirocin or retapamulin twice daily for 5 days, and oral therapy for ecthyma or impetigo with a 7-day regimen of an agent active against S. aureus, unless cultures yield streptococci alone 1.
- Good wound care is essential, including gentle cleansing with soap and water and keeping lesions covered to prevent spread, and treatment is important to prevent complications like cellulitis, scarlet fever, or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis 1.
- The bacteria produce toxins and enzymes that damage skin tissue, causing the characteristic honey-crusted lesions, and antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis or protein production, effectively eliminating the infection 1.
From the Research
Characteristics of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) Skin Lesions
There are no research papers provided that directly discuss the characteristics of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) skin lesions. The studies provided focus on the treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis, comparing different antibiotics and their effectiveness in alleviating symptoms, shortening the duration of illness, preventing relapse, and preventing complications.
Key Findings from Provided Studies
- The studies compared the effectiveness of different antibiotics, including penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides, and carbacephem, in treating group A streptococcal pharyngitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The results showed that there is uncertainty about the comparative efficacy of different antibiotics in treating group A streptococcal pharyngitis, with some studies suggesting that cephalosporins may be more effective than penicillin in adults, and carbacephem may be more effective than penicillin in children 4, 5, 6.
- The studies also highlighted the importance of considering the risk of complications, such as acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, when treating group A streptococcal pharyngitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Limitations of Provided Studies
- The studies provided do not discuss the characteristics of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) skin lesions, and therefore do not provide relevant information to answer the question.
- The studies focus on the treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis, and do not provide information on the characteristics of skin lesions caused by Group A Streptococcus.