How do you diagnose staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome?
Although good patient care includes taking specimens of blister fluid and smears from the nose or throat, no bacteria are usually demonstrated. SSSS is usually diagnosed on the basis of the typical progression of symptoms in a child of this age, prone to this disorder. A sample of skin (skin biopsy) should be taken, prepared, and examined under a microscope. If the patient’s disease is truly SSSS, the biopsy will show a characteristic appearance. There will be no accumulation of those cells usually present in the case of a bacterial infection. Instead, there will be evidence of disruption of only the top layer of skin (epidermis). Source: The Gale Group. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed.
