Scalded skin syndrome

Alternative names:

Riter's disease; staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)

Definition:

A disease of infants and young children and whose classic symptom is damage to the skin with marked shedding (exfoliation).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Scalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with certain strains of staphylococcus. During the infection, the staphylococci produce an exotoxin that is responsible for the skin damage. Onset of the illness may be heralded by fever and skin tenderness. The effects of the toxin first produces 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. These bare areas dry and crust over.