Scalded skin syndromeDefinition: 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. Scalded skin syndrome is found most commonly in infants and children under the age of 5.
Symptoms: - 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
- Electrolyte test
- 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: Intravenous antibiotics 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.
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