Streptococcus Pyogenes Treatment

Streptococcus pyogenes is the bacterium responsible for strep throat, but it can also cause a skin condition known as impetigo. With either illness, the streptococcal bacteria find their way into your system, either through your respiratory tract, as would be seen in strep throat, or a break in the skin, as is the case for impetigo. Both conditions are highly contagious infections and all it takes to contract the bacterium is simple exposure. Regardless of which infection is affecting your health, treatment is often necessary to rid the streptococcus pyogenes from your system.

Strep Throat

• When the streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat, treatment commonly relies on a course of antibiotic drugs. Penicillin and amoxicillin are two of the most common forms of treatment, but your doctor may prescribe another antibiotic, such as clarithromycin, azithromycin or clindamycin, to help cure the condition. No matter which type of medication is prescribed, you'll normally find relief from the associated symptoms in as little as a day. However, this doesn't mean that the streptococcal bacteria have been eradicated from your system. Continue taking the prescription for the specified amount of time to ensure proper treatment.

  While most people find relief in upwards of two days, you may require a form of adjunct care to further alleviate symptoms of the condition. In this situation, the pain, fever and headaches associated with strep throat frequently find relief with an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Even aspirin can be used in adults with strep throat. Before taking any sort of medication, consult the doctor who prescribed the antibiotic.

  Along with the standard modes of care, make sure to get enough rest and fluids to ensure your body can better fight the streptococcal infection and proper hydration, respectively. Humidifiers are also great devices to aid in both comfort and recovery. Even nasal sprays can help combat congestion.

Impetigo

• With impetigo, your doctor is more likely to treat this type of streptococcal infection from a different approach. The most common, especially with mild cases of impetigo, is self-care. To use this method, simply keep the affected area of skin clean and then apply a nonprescription antibiotic cream or ointment directly on the sore. Four times a day is ideal, but you may only need to do this in the morning and before bed.

  When the infection is more severe, further treatment is often necessary. This would include the use of an antibiotic cream as well as an oral antibiotic. Over time, the infection will become less and less until the sores have disappeared. But much like the treatment of strep throat, make sure to use the prescription in its entirety. Any less could result in a recurrence of the infection.