Introduction
Streptococci are bacteria that can cause various diseases, such as infections of the respiratory tract or skin. A skin reaction in the sense of an inflammation can occur directly at the site of the infection, as is the case with streptococcus-mediated erysipelas (erysipelas) or impetigo (pus). If, however, a rash appears all over the body as part of a streptococcal infection, this is called exanthema, which is primarily caused by the body’s immune response.
Accompanying symptoms
In most cases, the rash does not cause pain, but can be unpleasant, overheated and sensitive. After the appearance of the redness, the skin often becomes scaly, accompanied by itching. In some cases, the immune reaction affects not only the skin but also the internal organs. Therefore, complications such as inflammation of the heart, kidney inflammation or eye infections can occur later on and rheumatic diseases are also possible, which is why such patients should be checked regularly.
Cause
How a pathogen, which in most cases is responsible for infections of the upper respiratory tract, can cause a rash all over the body is at first incomprehensible to the layman. Some streptococci, such as the A-streptococci of scarlet fever, produce harmful substances, so-called toxins, which can cause damage not only at the site of infection but throughout the body by over-stimulating the immune system. In scarlet fever, these are the so-called erythrogenic toxins, which can damage the smallest blood vessels of the skin.
But other streptococcus species, which cause infections of the skin, for example, can also produce such substances. Responsible for the redness and rash is therefore the reaction of the own immune system. This overstimulation is particularly common with streptococci and then leads to aggressive immune cells and released antibodies to fight the pathogen, but also to minor damage to the own body, such as the blood vessels of the skin. For more information on the cause: Causes of a skin rash
