staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Quick Summary
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), also known as Ritter disease, is a medical condition primarily affecting newborns and young children. It is caused by toxins produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.1
The syndrome causes the skin to become red and blister, giving it the appearance of being burned or scalded. This is a form of desquamation, which is the shedding of the superficial layer of the epidermis. While desquamation is a normal process of shedding dead skin cells, SSSS involves an accelerated and widespread shedding due to the bacterial toxins.12
Treatment typically involves antibiotics to combat the Staphylococcus aureus infection and supportive care to manage the skin symptoms.1
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