Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is a bacterial infection caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. This condition primarily affects infants and children, but can also occur in adults with weakened immune systems.
Causes[edit | edit source]
SSSS is caused by the release of two exotoxins (exfoliative toxins A and B) by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. These toxins cause the outer layers of the skin to blister and peel off, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the condition.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The initial symptoms of SSSS include fever, irritability, and widespread redness of the skin. This is followed by the formation of fluid-filled blisters that rupture easily, leading to the peeling off of large sheets of skin. The exposed skin underneath is tender and red, resembling a burn.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of SSSS is primarily based on the characteristic clinical presentation. Laboratory tests, such as bacterial culture and antibody detection, can be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative bacterium.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of SSSS involves the administration of antibiotics to eliminate the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Supportive care, including fluid replacement and pain management, is also important. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of SSSS involves good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. This includes regular hand washing, especially in healthcare settings.
See also[edit | edit source]
Pediatric glossary of terms | Glossary of medical terms | Dictionary of pediatrics
| Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
