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Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

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Life-Threatening Rashes

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Abstract

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that requires prompt recognition and intervention. This chapter will discuss the physiology behind this exotoxin-mediated disease that results in diffuse erythroderma and subsequent desquamation. Key clinical characteristics, such as the absence of mucosal membrane involvement, are reviewed to aid in early recognition of SSSS and differentiation from conditions with a similar appearance. Treatment with anti-staphylococcal antibiotics and dermatologic care measures is essential in the acute management of SSSS, in addition to prevention of secondary infection, which is a common cause of mortality.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Louise Malburg

  2. Departments of Emergency Medicine & Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Garrett S. Pacheco

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  1. Louise Malburg
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  2. Garrett S. Pacheco
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Correspondence to Garrett S. Pacheco .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Emily Rose

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Malburg, L., Pacheco, G.S. (2018). Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome. In: Rose, E. (eds) Life-Threatening Rashes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75623-3_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75623-3_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-75622-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-75623-3

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