What is the treatment of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome?
Treatment usually requires hospitalisation, as intravenous antibiotics are generally necessary to eradicate the staphylococcal infection. A penicillinase-resistant, anti-staphylococcal antibiotic such as flucloxacillin is used. Depending on response to treatment, oral antibiotics can be substituted within several days. The patient may be discharged from hospital to continue treatment at home. Other supportive treatments include: • Paracetamol when necessary for fever and pain. • Maintaining fluid and electrolyte intake. • Skin care (the skin is often very fragile) Although the outward signs of SSSS look bad, children generally recover well and healing is usually complete within 5-7 days of starting treatment.
