|
|
Scalded Skin Syndrome
Alternate Names : Ritter Disease, Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSS)
Definition A disease of infants and young children (usually under 5 years of age) and whose classic symptom is damage to the skin with marked shedding (exfoliation).
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Scalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with certain strains of a bacteria called staphylococcus. During the infection, the staphylococci produce a poison (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 (a finding called the Nikolsky sign). These bare areas dry out and crust over.
It is found most commonly in infants and very young children.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Officials Still Seek Source of Salmonella Outbreak - Jan 09, 2009, 14:00
Almost 400 Americans in 42 states have been sickened. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 9, 2009 - Jan 09, 2009, 10:05
- Fungal Infections
- Post Menopause
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
| • | Americans Consuming More Sugary Beverages - Jan 09, 2009, 12:00
Adults gulping an average of 300 calories every day, study finds. | • | Garlic as a Cancer Fighter? Maybe Not - Jan 09, 2009, 16:00
Evidence that strong-smelling herb prevents cancer is said to be weak.
| • | Antipsychotics Up Death Risk in Alzheimer's Patients - Jan 09, 2009, 09:00
Long-term study says the drugs should only be used short-term, as last resort. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cellulitis
• Dehydration
• Septicemia
Tests & Exams
• CBC
• Skin Lesion Biopsy
Other Topics
• Electrolytes
• Fever
• Intravenous
• Nikolsky's Sign
• Rashes
• Skin Blushing/Flushing
Review Date : 3/1/2002
Reviewed By : Chayim Y. Newmark M.D., Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healtchare Network.
|
|
