[Cutaneous eruptions of streptococcal and staphylococcal origin].

Scarlet fever consists in a diffuse exanthem associated with mucous changes. Classical scarlet fever is rare now, but other severe streptococcal infections have become more frequent, such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The scarlatiniform exanthem and the shock observed in this disease are due to a streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin. Exfoliative toxins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus are responsible for the tender erythema and cutaneous scaling characteristic of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome of infancy. The so-called staphylococcal scarlet fever is probably an attenuated variant of this disease. Toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST1) is another staphylococcal toxin implied in the staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. This disease is characterized by general symptoms and a scarlatiniform exanthem which are due to the effects of TSST1, acting as a superantigen.