0
Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection in which the skin becomes damaged and sheds.
Alternative NamesRitter disease; Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSS)
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsScalded 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)
- 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)
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)
Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of this disorder.
PreventionThe disorder may not be preventable. Treating any staphylococcus infection quickly can help.
ReferencesKorman NJ. Macular, papular, vesiculobullous, and pustular diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 465.
Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection in which the skin becomes damaged and sheds.
Alternative NamesRitter disease; Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSS)
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsScalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with certain strains of Staphylococcus bacteria. The bacteria 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)
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and look at the skin. The exam may show that the skin slips off when it is rubbed. This is called a positive Nikolsky's sign.
Tests may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Cultures of the skin and throat
- Electrolytetest
- Skin biopsy (in rare cases)
Antibiotics are given through a vein (intravenously) to help fight the infection. Fluids are also given through a vein to prevent dehydration. Much of the body's fluid is lost through open skin.
Moist compresses to the skin may improve comfort. You can apply a moisturizing ointment to keep the skin moist. Healing begins about 10 days after treatment.
Expectations (prognosis)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)
Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of this disorder.
PreventionThe disorder may not be preventable. Treating any staphylococcus infection quickly can help.
ReferencesMorelli JG.Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (Ritter Disease).In: Kliegman RM,Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds.Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 657.3.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 12/06/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Incubation of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome?
48hrs
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.
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.
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 is exfoliative toxin?
Exfoliative toxin is a protein produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that causes skin exfoliation, or peeling. It breaks down a protein that helps cells stick together in the skin, leading to the separation of skin layers and causing symptoms such as redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin. Conditions such as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome are associated with exfoliative toxins.
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.
