Perianal Streptococcal Dermatitis

Perianal streptococcal dermatitis (PSD) is a superficial bacterial infection of the parianal area. PSD is usually caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococci and rarely, the group G β-hemolytic strep- tococci or staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms include perianal rash, itching and rectal pain; blood- streaked stools may be also seen in one third of patients. It primarily occurs in children between 7 months and 11 years of age. We report a 6-year-old boy with PSD who developed desquamation of his fingers and perioral skin. The desquamation developed concomitant with resolution of perianal dermatitis. We propose that desquamation in this patient was due to PSD and its release of streptococ- cal exotoxin. Therapy by oral penicillin and topical mupirocin is effective.