What is Scalded Skin Syndrome?
Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection characterized by damage to the skin with marked shedding. Scalded skin syndrome usually affects infants and children under the age of five. Scalded skin syndrome is also called Ritter disease, and Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSS) What Causes Scalded Skin Syndrome? Scalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with staphylococcus bacteria. During the infection, the staphylococci produce a poison that causes skin damage. Symptoms of Scalded Skin Syndrome The most common symptoms of scalded skin syndrome are: • fever • skin tenderness • reddened skin • large areas of skin that peel away Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you believe you may have scalded skin syndrome. Immediate medical attention is needed. Can Scalded Skin Syndrome be Treated? Yes. The most common treatments are: antibiotics, medicine to reduce fever. If a significant amount of fluid is lost through the open skin, intravenous fluid is needed. Th
