Diagnosis of streptoderma

Streptoderma is a skin disease caused by streptococci. When infected, pink spots of round shape of various diameters, up to 3-4 cm, are formed on the body. Mild itching appears in the rash areas, dry crusts form that peel off. Low temperature and enlarged lymph nodes may appear. They are most often localized on the face, less often on the back, limbs, and buttocks. The manifestations of streptoderma are similar to many dermatological diseases, so for proper treatment it is important to conduct a thorough diagnosis.

Analysis for streptoderma

In addition to a visual examination by a dermatologist and anamnesis (patient complaints, past illnesses, living conditions, etc.), it is necessary to conduct an analysis for streptoderma - to identify the causative agent of the disease by bacteriological examination. Express methods are used for this purpose:

• microscopic - a smear of vesicle fluid is used to detect virus accumulation;
• immunofluorescence - determination of viral antigens in smears;
• visurological - detection of the virus in embryonic cell cultures;
• serological - for the presence in the blood of antibodies produced under the influence of infectious agents.

Additional blood tests may be required:

• general;
• biochemical;
• to the Wasserman reaction (syphilis);
• thyroid hormones;
• HIV infection.

Confirmation of the diagnosis is an increased ESR, C-reactive protein, and leukocytosis.

In addition, a general analysis of urine and feces is done (to detect worm eggs).

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Differential diagnostics

There are many different dermatological diseases with similar symptoms. Differential diagnostics aims to distinguish:

• herpes from streptoderma - both diagnoses are characterized by blisters filled with yellowish turbid liquid. Over time, they burst. Streptoderma is confirmed by the formation of cracks on the opened area. Herpes is characterized by the presence of itching at the site of its appearance, in the second case - first there is redness, and only then itching occurs;
• streptoderma from lichen - pityriasis versicolor or versicolor lichen refers to fungal skin lesions. Infection with it does not lead to inflammatory phenomena. Brownish, yellowish or pinkish spots appear on the surface of the skin. At first they are small, with a pinhead, then they grow, forming extensive foci. The diagnosis is easily confirmed by smearing them with iodine or brilliant green, as a result of which they are painted in a brighter color;
• dermatitis from streptoderma - dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that appears as a result of exposure to an irritant. It manifests itself as itching, burning, inflammation. Then a rash, blisters, bubbles, swelling occur. Since dermatitis is most often provoked by allergens, an increase in eosinophil blood cells and immunoglobulin E is detected in laboratory conditions;
• streptoderma from chickenpox - the latter is preceded by contact with a sick person, acute onset and rapid spread of rashes to other areas, up to the mucous membranes of the mouth. Chickenpox is always accompanied by intoxication. The rash itself goes through several stages in development: a spot, a papule, a vesicle with a transparent liquid, a crust. It is not characterized by the fusion of individual individual elements;
• eczema from streptoderma - eczema can develop against the background of chronic streptoderma. Usually the course is sluggish, slow: the skin turns red and even takes on a bluish tint, looks thickened, elasticity is reduced. Severe dryness appears, itching occurs, and severely. Cracks remain during healing;
• pyoderma from streptoderma - staphylococcal pyoderma affects the sebaceous and sweat glands. It is localized in places where hair grows: on the head, pubis, limbs. It appears as pustules with purulent filling, after opening which a brown crust is formed (with streptoderma it is yellow);
• impetigo from streptoderma - impetigo is characterized by the appearance of redness, in the place of which bubbles (phlyctenas) form, pus collects inside them. The inflammatory process ends with the lesion being covered with a gray crust, which eventually falls off, leaving no traces. Most often, impetigo chooses the lateral surfaces of the body, limbs and face;
• allergies from streptoderma - manifestations of an increased immune system reaction to an allergen can be burning, itching, rashes. Other symptoms often indicate the diagnosis: sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, redness of the whites of the eyes. A blood test for specific IgE antibodies will confirm the allergy. The allergen can be determined using skin tests.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ]