Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is a condition of severe skin infection arising from infection with the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This infection causes the skin to peel or blister over most areas of the body. The condition will resemble the appearance of the skin after being exposed to hot liquids.
This condition most often occurs in infants and children, with symptoms such as fever, skin rash, and sometimes blisters are also observed. When the blistered skin breaks open, the top layer of skin peels off and the surface of the skin appears red, similar to the appearance of skin on a burn.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of SSSS can vary. Some of the signs and symptoms that are commonly found in SSSS are:
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Rash
• Irritability, especially in children
• Redness of the skin
• Skin blisters that are filled with fluid and can break easily, which then cause pain
• Peeling skin on various parts of the body
• The infected skin area will be tender and painful to touch
Rashes in patients with Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) have characteristics such as:
• Appearance of folds on the skin which will then turn into blisters and contain fluid.
• Water peeling occurs, where the peeling part will leave a reddish layer that is moist and soft.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Reason
Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) can arise as a result of infection from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These bacteria can release harmful substances or toxins which then cause the skin to blister and peel.
This condition can occur at any age, but children under the age of 5, especially newborns, have a higher risk of developing this disease. This is due to the child’s immune system that has not been fully formed.
Other risk factors include:
• Weak immune system
• People suffering from chronic kidney disease
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) can be determined from a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain investigations.
Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out include:
• Skin biopsy. In this test, a small sample of skin tissue is taken and examined under a microscope. After that, laboratory tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
• Cell culture. Cell culture examination can be done to evaluate the presence of bacteria. This examination can be done from samples of blood, urine, nose or throat tissue, and skin.
Other supporting examinations that can also be done are:
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify Staphylococcus aerus exotoxin
• Blood tests to determine the white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Check kidney function to confirm there is a link between dehydration and skin damage
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) depends on a variety of factors, including:
• Signs and symptoms experienced
• Age, health status, and previous medical history
• Response to medication, treatment, or therapy
• Predictions of likely worsening of symptoms
People with SSSS may require hospitalization. Treatments carried out may include:
• Antibiotic treatment given through a vein
• Fluids given through a vein to prevent dehydration
• Use of a feeding tube for feeding, if needed
• Use of skin creams or ointments
• Medications to treat pain
Prevention
Prevention of Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is to avoid infection by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Prevention efforts can be done by maintaining hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, keeping the wound area clean if there are parts of the body that are injured, and so on.