Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS, Ritter disease) is exfoliative toxin-mediated staphylococcal epidermolysis, mainly in infants/children, presenting with fever, tender erythema, and flaccid bullae/sheet-like skin desquamation. Treatment: anti-staphylococcal antibiotics (anti-staph penicillin/cephalosporin/clindamycin); supportive care; fluid/electrolyte management; gentle wound/barrier care; isolate; monitor for secondary infection/sep sis; treat primary focus (nasal/umbilical); follow-up.

Common Symptoms

Fever; tender erythema; flaccid bullae; sheet-like desquamation; infants

Causes and Pathogenesis

Staphylococcal exfoliative toxin cleaves desmoglein-1 causing epidermolysis.

Treatment

Anti-staph antibiotics; supportive care; wound care; isolate

Preventive Measures

Early treatment of staph infection; hygiene.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology/Pediatrics/Infectious-disease/Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.