Scalded skin syndrome

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Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection characterized by damage to the skin, with marked shedding (exfoliation). It usually affects infants and children under the age of 5.

Ritter disease; Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSS)

Scalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with certain strains of bacteria in the Staphylococcus family. During the infection, the staphylococci produce a poison that is responsible for the skin damage. Onset of the illness may include fever and skin tenderness.

The effects of the toxin first produce reddening of the skin. Fluid collects beneath the skin, loosening it. Subsequently, light rubbing of the skin may pull away large sheets of skin leaving a raw, red base (this effect is called the Nikolsky sign). These bare areas dry out and crust over.

Scalded skin syndrome is found most commonly in infants and very young children.

Review Date: 12/01/2005
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.