Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a condition that occurs primarily in children under the age of 5 as a result of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is a fairly common bacteria and is often found on the skin or in the nose and mouth of a healthy person. It is more likely to develop into an infection in someone who has a weaker immune system, like a young child. Scalded skin syndrome happens as a response to S. aureus and involves huge sections of the skin peeling and blistering. It is rarely life-threatening.
The signature rash in scalded skin syndrome tends to spread quickly and affect the groin, armpits, elbows, and area around the mouth, where fluid-filled blisters will form. Any blisters that appear during scalded skin syndrome will burst easily, and the top layer of the skin may peel away in large pieces.
Otherwise, scalded skin syndrome may present a little differently between children. It can be helpful for parents to remember that children do not always have the tools to communicate how sick they feel when keeping an eye out for scalded skin syndrome.
Some other observable symptoms may be:
Scalded skin syndrome is caused by a toxin that is released by the S. aureus bacterium.
Risk factors for scalded skin syndrome include being under the age of 5, having kidney disease, or living with a weak immune system. It is possible for adults to get scalded skin syndrome, but it is uncommon in adults unless they already have a weak immune system.
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is typically diagnosed with a medical history and a physical examination. If the patient does not have a diagnosis of S. aureus, a doctor may take a sample of skin tissue to confirm that they are infected.
Complications of scalded skin syndrome include:
The mortality rate for scalded skin syndrome is low, and typically people with scalded skin syndrome have good outcomes as long as they seek medical help right away. Delaying medical treatment can greatly increase the risk of mortality.
Treatment depends on the age of the person, the severity of the condition, the health of the patient, how well they handle certain treatments (this is particularly applicable for children), if the condition is expected to get better or worse, and the opinion of the patient and the doctor.
Scalded skin syndrome typically requires admission to the hospital, particularly because it mimics burns. Here, treatments can include antibiotics, fluids given through an intravenous (IV) line, use of creams, and pain medicine as needed.
While it is impossible to completely prevent your child from getting scalded skin syndrome, there are preventative measures that can be taken to decrease their chances of contracting a severe case of S. aureus. Handwashing, vaccines, and good hygiene practices may help decrease the chances of infection. Isolation of the person with scalded skin syndrome and screening of anyone who has been caring for them can help prevent the spread of the disease.