Scalded skin syndrome

Alternative names:

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

Symptoms:

• fever
• erythema (redness) of the skin which spreads to cover most of the body
• skin slips off with gentle pressure leaving wet red areas (Nikolsky sign)
• painful skin
• infant appears acutely ill

Signs and tests:

• positive Nikolsky's sign (skin slipping off when rubbed)

Tests include:

• CBC
• cultures (if site of infection is found)
• skin biopsy
• check of electrolytes to see if fluid loss has caused difficulties