Learn About Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis
Perianal streptococcal cellulitis is an infection of the area around the anus and rectum. The infection is caused by streptococcus bacteria.
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.
Aurora Surgery
Brian Obrochta is a General Surgeon in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Dr. Obrochta is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Hernia Surgery, and Bladder Reconstruction.
Advocate Medical Group
Hillary Ecker is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Morton Grove, Illinois. Dr. Ecker is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Cough, Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Hypertension.
Advocate Medical Group Trauma Surgery
Harold Bach is a General Surgeon in Downers Grove, Illinois. Dr. Bach is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis. His top areas of expertise are Delirium, Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Subdural Hematoma, Gastrostomy, and Hernia Surgery.
Children usually recover quickly with antibiotic treatment. It is important to contact your 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 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 31, 2023
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.