Alternative Names
Ritter disease; Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSS)
Definition of Scalded skin syndrome
Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection in which the skin becomes damaged and sheds.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Scalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with certain strains of bacteria in the family. During the infection, the staphylococci produce a poison that causes the skin damage. The damage creates blisters as if the skin were scalded.
Treatment
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 .
Expectations (prognosis)
The prognosis is usually excellent. A full recovery is expected.
Review
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. – 12/1/2009
