Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD

Educational Pearls:

Primarily affects children
Caused by staph aureus releasing exotoxins that result in erythema and sloughing of the skin
Present with significant pain, dehydration and underlying staph infection
Treatment typically oxacillin/nafcillin with admission for wound care with petroleum gel and xeroform
Burn centers may be treatment centers of choice for this condition
Most patients recover in 2-3 days with treatment

References

Patel GK, Finlay AY. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: diagnosis and management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(3):165-75. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200304030-00003. PMID: 12627992.

Jordan KS. Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome: A Pediatric Dermatological Emergency. Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2019 Apr/Jun;41(2):129-134. doi: 10.1097/TME.0000000000000235. PMID: 31033660.

Summarized by John Spartz, MS3 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD

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