Streptococcal Perianal Dermatitis in Three Adults

Abstract

Perianal streptococcal dermatitis (PSD) is a superficial cutaneous infection of the perianal area that is caused mainly by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus and characterized by persistent perianal erythema and itching. PSD has almost exclusively been described in children. Only five cases of PSD have been reported in Japan so far. We report herein an additional three adult cases of PSD with accompanying redness of scrotal skin, miliary erythema of the neck, inguinal streptococcal dermatitis, candidiasis, or generalized itching. Since several skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or candidiasis can mimic the presentation of PSD, it seems likely that, as in children, PSD is probably also prone to misdiagnosis in adults, leading to the underestimation of its incidence. PSD should be studied further to better define its epidemiology and etiology in Japan.