What are the causes and symptoms of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome?
SSSS is caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria produces a chemical called an epidermolytic toxin (“epiderm,” deriving from the Greek words epi, meaning on, and derma, meaning skin, refers to the top layer of skin; “-lytic,” deriving from the Greek word lysis, which literally denotes the act of undoing, means breaking or destroying; a toxin is a poison). While the bacteria itself is not spread throughout the body, it affects all of the skin by sending this toxin through the bloodstream. SSSS begins with a small area of infection. In newborn babies, this may appear as a crusted area around the umbilicus, or in the diaper area. In children between the ages of one and six, a small, red, crusty bump appears near the nose or ear. The child may have no energy, and may have a fever. The skin becomes sensitive and uncomfortable even before the rash is fully visible. The rash starts out as bright red patches around the original area of crusting. Blisters may app
