Scalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with certain strains of Staphylococcus bacteria. The bacteria produce a poison that causes the skin damage. The damage creates blisters as if the skin were scalded.
Scalded skin syndrome is found most commonly in infants and children under the age of 5.
Symptoms
Blisters
Fever
Large areas of skin peel or fall away (exfoliation or desquamation)
Painful skin
Redness of the skin (erythema), which spreads to cover most of the body
Skin slips off with gentle pressure, leaving wet red areas (Nikolsky's sign)
Signs and tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and look at the skin. The exam may show that the skin slips off when it is rubbed. This is called a positive Nikolsky's sign.
Antibiotics are given through a vein (intravenously) to help fight the infection. Fluids are also given through a vein to prevent dehydration. Much of the body's fluid is lost through open skin.
Moist compresses to the skin may improve comfort. You can apply a moisturizing ointment to keep the skin moist. Healing begins about 10 days after treatment.
Expectations (prognosis)
A full recovery is expected.
Complications
Fluid regulation problems causing dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
Review Date:
12/6/2011
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
