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Definition

Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection in which the skin becomes damaged and sheds.

Alternative Names

Ritter disease; Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSS)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Scalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with certain strains of bacteria in the Staphylococcus family. During the infection, the staphylococci produce a poison that causes the skin damage. The damage creates blisters as if the skin were scalded.

Scalded skin syndrome is found most commonly in infants and children under the age of 5.

Symptoms
  • Blisters
  • Fever
  • Large areas of skin peel or fall away (exfoliation or desquamation)
  • Painful skin
  • Redness of the skin (erythema), which spreads to cover most of the body
  • Skin slips off with gentle pressure, leaving wet red areas (Nikolsky's sign)
Signs and tests
  • Positive Nikolsky's sign (skin slipping off when rubbed)

Tests include:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Cultures of the skin and throat
  • Electrolytetest
  • Skin biopsy(done only in rare cases, such as when the skin condition may be due to a drug reaction known as toxic epidermal necrolysis or TEN)
Treatment

Intravenousantibiotics for staphylococcus are given to help fight the infection. Because much fluid is lost through the open skin, it's important to get intravenous fluid to prevent dehydration.

Moist compresses to the skin may improve comfort. You can apply an emollient to keep the skin moist. Healing begins about 10 days after treatment.

Expectations (prognosis)

The prognosis is usually excellent. A full recovery is expected.

Complications
  • Fluid regulation problems causing dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
  • Poor temperature control (in young infants)
  • Severe bloodstream infection (septicemia)
  • Spread to deeper skin infection (cellulitis)
Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of this disorder.

Prevention

The disorder may not be preventable. Treating any staphylococcus infection quickly can help.

References

Korman NJ. Macular, papular, vesiculobullous, and pustular diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 465.

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What is staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome?

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a rare but serious skin condition caused by toxins released by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It results in red, painful, and blistering skin that resembles a scald or burn. This condition is more common in infants and young children with immature immune systems.


What causes scalded skin syndrome?

most common in newborns and other children under the age of five, scalded skin syndrome originates with a localized skin infection. A mild fever and/or an increase in the number of infection-fighting white blood cells may occur.


Could group b strep cause scalded skin syndrome?

No, Group B strep typically causes infections in newborns, pregnant women, and adults with weakened immune systems. Scalded skin syndrome is primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus producing exfoliative toxins.


What patient population is most susceptible to ssss?

Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or undergoing chemotherapy, are most susceptible to Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) due to their weakened ability to fight off infections. Additionally, newborns and young children are also at higher risk of developing SSSS.


What are the signs and complications of MRSA?

MRSA can cause skin infections like boils, carbuncles. Hair infections like folliculitis, lung infections like pneumonia. Patients present with high fever, malaise, red colored streaks on skin etc. Untreated infections can lead Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, necrotising folliculitis etc.


What diseases are caused by S. aureus?

(folliculitis ) are the most common. Toxic shock (TSS) and scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) are among the most serious. S. aureus can also cause: arthritis.(bacteremia ).(carbuncles).(cellulitis).(endocarditis ).(meningitis ).(osteomyelitis).


How can you tell if the milk is scalded without using a thermometer?

It has a skin like cover over the milk itself.


How do you get red skin when you step out without sunscreen?

Have you ever scalded yourself with very hot water from the tap? Noticed how red the skin was? That's exactly what happens when you go into the sun without sunscreen - the sun burnsyour skin - and a burn is a burn. It is skin damage. You should always use sunscreen.


What are signs and symptoms of Johnson syndrome?

Johnson syndrome, also known as Steve Johnson Syndrome is condition where the skin and mucous membranes have a reaction to medication or infections. The main signs and symptoms of the syndrome are facial swelling, tongue swelling, hivesskin pain, a red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days, blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose and eyes, and shedding (sloughing) of your skin. You should seek medical attention if you believe that you have the syndrome.


What is exfoliative toxin?

Exfoliative Toxins (ET's, ETA and ETB so far) are specific proteinic (30 kDa) serine proteases that hydrolyze desmosomal (connecting) proteins which bond the skin layers together. These are toxins created by Staphylococcus aureus (SA), that are the sole cause of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS). ETA and ETB do not seem to always appear together, with ETB appearing in Japan, and ETA in the US, Europe and Africa.SSSS, noted in the late 1800's (von Ritter's disease) but not associated with SA or toxins therefrom until the later part of the 20th century, produce injuries that are very hard to discriminate from chemical or thermal burns. Most prevalent in infants, then in the elderly, the effects are very much like burns as is the treatment for SSSS.


What is the occurrence of Johnson Syndrome?

Johnson Syndrome in a deadly and life threatening illness. It affects the skin, Johnson Syndrome occurs when cells die. It is usually caused by drugs and medication.