Strep B Skin Infection

Strep B is a common and usually harmless bacteria found in the human body. However, in certain populations Strep B can cause pneumonia, blood infection, urinary tract infection and skin infections.

Identification

• Strep B skin infections are also referred to as cellulitis. Cellulitis can be dangerous, but it is treatable. It occurs most commonly when a bacteria enters through a break in the skin.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Strep B skin infection include skin that is red, swollen, tender or warm and eventually develops red spots and possibly blisters. You may also develop a fever if you have cellulitis caused by Strep B.

Warning

• Strep B skin infections are rare. That said, pregnant women, infants, elderly adults, those with immune deficiency and people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing cellulitis caused by Strep B.

Complications

• In rare cases a Strep B skin infection can spread to the deep layers of tissue. This is what doctors refer to as necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating bacterial infection. Additionally, complications can also occur when the Strep bacteria enters your lymph nodes and bloodstream, causing a more widespread infection.

Treatment

• Antibiotics are used to treat Strep B skin infection. Antibiotics will be administered intravenously or orally depending upon the severity of your infection.