Strep throat

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Throat anatomy

Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands

Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm

Strep throat

Erythema multiforme on the leg

Exfoliation following erythroderma

Strep throat

Alternative Names:

Pharyngitis - streptococcal; Streptococcal pharyngitis

Treatment:

Even though the sore throat usually gets better on its own, people who have strep throat SHOULD take antibiotics to prevent more serious complications of this infection, including rheumatic fever. Penicillin has been traditionally recommended. However, resistance to penicillin is increasing, and cephalosporins may be more effective in some situations.

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Be aware that most sore throats are caused by viruses, not strep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends AGAINST treating sore throats with antibiotics unless the strep test is positive. Strep cannot be diagnosed by symptoms or a physical exam alone.

Ibuprofen can help people feel much better while the antibiotic is taking effect. Gargling with warm salt water (one half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day may also help.

Expectations (prognosis):

The probable outcome is good. Nearly all symptoms resolve in one week. Treatment prevents serious complications associated with streptococcal infections.

Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

See the article on sore throat for guidelines on when to call your health care provider. Call if you develop the symptoms of strep throat and you think you were exposed to someone with strep throat. Also, call if you are being treated for strep throat and are not feeling better within 24 to 48 hours.

References:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Group A Streptococcal Infections. Bethesda, MD: Office of Communications and Public Liaison. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/strep.htm.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Disease. Atlanta, GA: Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases; December 2003. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/groupastreptococcal_g.htm.