Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection in which the skin becomes damaged and sheds.
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.
Tests include:
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.
The prognosis is usually excellent. A full recovery is expected.
Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of this disorder.
The disorder may not be preventable. Treating any staphylococcus infection quickly can help.
Ritter disease; Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSS)
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.
Reviewed by: 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.
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