A case report on Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in a 3 year old: Clinical diagnosis and management

Abstract

Staphylococcal-scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a blistering skin disorder which is considered as a pediatric emergency. This life-threatening syndrome is caused by Staphylococcal exfoliative toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. Although it can affect any age group, children below 5 years of age are at utmost risk. The specific antibodies to exotoxins and increased exotoxin clearance, minimize the frequency of SSSS in adults. Mortality in infancy is low (4%) and is less than 10 % in children but is between 40% and 63% in adults.  Clinical features of SSSS may range from a few localized blisters  to generalized desquamation covering the entire body. The histopathological evaluation of the skin biopsy helps in the definitive diagnosis of SSSS. Here we present a case of a 3 year old female child with low grade fever associated with erythematous rashes all over the body and severe itching. A clinical diagnosis of Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) was made. With appropriate treatment using intravenous Flucloxacillin and supportive care, the child’s symptoms were completely resolved within a week.