I have a skin problem that makes it look like my skin is burned what is it?

Answer 1

The condition you have described sounds like Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome.

- Symptoms -

This is a condition which causes red blistering of the skin which looks very similar to a scald or burn.

The physical symptoms are:

- Tissue paper-like wrinkling of the skin

- Large fluid-filled blisters in the armpits, groin and orifices (nose, ears, etc)

- Rashes which can be spread to other parts of the body

- Peeling skin which leaves a moist, red and tender area, giving the impression of a burn

- Cause -

It is caused by the release of two exotoxins from toxigenic strains of Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria.

In newborns or young infants, the condition is called Ritter's Disease or Lyell's Disease, depending on the experience of the doctor treating the condition.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome, or SSSS, is mostly common in young children and newborn babies. As a child ages, protective antibodies against Staphylococcal exotoxins are usually developed naturally, which makes it less common to get the condition in older children, teens and adults.

People with weaker immune systems or renal failure, regardless of age, are at risk of developing the condition.

- Diagnosis -

Upon seeing a doctor, you will have a biopsy, which involves two things:

- The doctor taking a skin sample, which will be examined under a microscope

- A bacteria culture, which involves taking a sample of the bacteria and colonising it in a lab to identify the organism

- Treatment -

You are in luck. Treatment is available.

You will be given a course of strong antibiotics called flucloxacillin.

Treatments may also include:

- Painkillers for pain and fever

- Maintaining fluid and electrolyte intake

- Skin Care

Treatment takes around five days to two weeks depending on severity.

- Should you get treated? -

Yes, you should. If left untreated, the condition can further compromise your body defences, inviting other bacteria and viruses into your body. This includes further infections such as sepsis, cellulitis and pneumonia.

- Preventing the condition in the future -

The course of antibiotics should have hopefully helped your body build up natural resistance against the condition. However to prevent the bacteria from colonising again you should follow a strict hygiene regime, which includes washing your hands often with antibacterial soap and showering daily.

NOTE- This advice is an educated opinion from a contributor of a non-medical background. You should always see your doctor if you are worried you have a condition!