Perianal Streptococcal CellulitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis Overview
Learn About Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis
Perianal streptococcal cellulitis is an infection of the area around the anus and rectum. The infection is caused by a type of bacteria called streptococcus.
Streptococcal proctitis; Proctitis - streptococcal; Perianal streptococcal dermatitis
Perianal streptococcal cellulitis usually occurs in children. It often appears during or after strep throat, nasopharyngitis, or streptococcal skin infection (impetigo).
The skin around the anus may get infected while a child wipes the area after using the toilet. The infection can also result from scratching the area with fingers that have bacteria from the mouth or nose.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Itching, pain, or bleeding with bowel movements
- Redness around the anus
The infection is treated with antibiotics for about 10 days, depending on how well and quickly they are working. Penicillin is the most often used antibiotic in children.
Topical medicine can be applied to the skin and is commonly used with other antibiotics, but it should not be the only treatment. Mupirocin is a common topical medicine used for this condition.
Medical Education Assistance Corporation
. Dr. Youssef is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis. Her top areas of expertise are Sepsis, Endocarditis, Pneumonia, and Cellulitis.
Texas Health Surgical Specialists
Dr. Winston Chan is a double board-certified General Surgeon and Colon and Rectal Surgeon with additional certification and training in the use of the Da Vinci Xi robotic system for minimally invasive surgeries. He is an accomplished surgeon with extensive experience in both university-based teaching and clinical robotics proctoring.Dr. Chan earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and his colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Chan's passion lies in using the latest advanced medical technology, such as robotics and laparoscopy, in combination with his own surgical dexterity to treat complex diseases through small incisions to promote patient comfort and outcomes. His surgical expertise includes treatment of gallbladder disease, hernias, colorectal cancer, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal disease, reflux disorders, and soft tissue conditions. Outside of work, he enjoys snowboarding, scuba diving, traveling and spending time with family.Dr. Chan is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and Tarrant County Medical Society. He speaks English and Mandarin. Dr. Chan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Gallbladder Disease, Bladder Reconstruction, and Endoscopy.
Lee Bariatrics
Dr. Michael Lee is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS), a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS) with the highest credentials in order to practice the highest level of bariatric surgery and revisional bariatric surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston before going on to complete his general surgery residency training at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Lee is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive metabolic and bariatric surgery from the renowned Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.Upon completion of his training, Dr. Lee was recruited as Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery and the Director of the Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas from 2012-2015 before entering private practice.Dr. Lee specializes in minimally invasive bariatric surgery including revisional surgery as well as a minimally invasive general surgery. He has presented at the national level and published in peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from robotic-assisted bariatric surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques, and reducing risk in bariatric surgery. His professional society memberships include the (ACS) American College of Surgeons, (SAGES) Society of American GI and Endoscopic Surgeons, and the (ASMBS) American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. In his free time, Dr. Lee trains for long distance triathlons and hopes to inspire and motivate his patients promoting physical activity and ethical eating. Dr. Lee is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Cholecystitis, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.
Children usually recover quickly with antibiotic treatment. It is important to contact your child's provider if your child does not get better soon on antibiotics.
Complications are rare, but may include:
- Anal scarring, fistula, or abscess
- Bleeding, discharge
- Bloodstream or other streptococcal infections (including heart, joint, and bone)
- Kidney disease (acute glomerulonephritis)
- Severe skin and soft tissue infection (necrotizing fasciitis)
Contact your child's provider if your child complains of pain in the rectal area, painful bowel movements, or other symptoms of perianal streptococcal cellulitis.
If your child is taking antibiotics for this condition and the area of redness gets worse, or the discomfort or fever is increasing, contact your child's provider immediately.
Careful handwashing may help prevent this and other infections caused by bacteria carried in the nose and throat.
To prevent the condition from coming back (relapse), be sure your child finishes all the medicine the provider prescribes.
Published Date: December 13, 2025
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Paller AS, Mancini AJ. Bacterial, mycobacterial, and protozoal infections of the skin. In: Paller AS, Mancini AJ, eds. Paller and Mancini - Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 14.
Shulman ST, Patel AB. Group A streptococcus. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 229.


