Friday, October 19, 2007

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

by Mike Singh

What is this Condition?



Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a severe skin disorder in which the skin develops a scalded appearance marked by redness, peeling, and necrosis (tissue cell death). This condition is most common in infants ages 1 to 3 months but may develop in children. It's uncommon in adults.

SSSS progresses in a consistent pattern, but most people recover fully. Mortality is 2% to 3%, with death usually resulting from complications of fluid and electrolyte loss, severe infection, and involvement of other body systems.

What Causes it?


The organism that causes SSSS is called Group II Staphylococcus aureus. Factors that may increase a person's risk of developing the disorder include impaired immunity and kidney function. Both risk factors are present to some extent in normal newborns because their immune system and kidneys are not fully developed.

What are its Symptoms?


An upper respiratory infection, possibly accompanied by itchy conjunctivitis, may precede development of SSSS. Skin changes pass through three stages:

* Erythema: Redness becomes visible, usually around the mouth and other orifices, and may spread in widening circles over the entire body surface. The skin becomes tender; Nikolsky's sign (sloughing of the skin when friction is applied) may appear.

* Exfoliation (24 to 48 hours later): In the more common, localized form of this disease, superficial erosions and minimal crusting occur, generally around orifices, and may spread to exposed skin areas. In the more severe forms, large, flaccid, fluid-filled blisters erupt and may spread over extensive areas of the body. These blisters eventually rupture, revealing sections of denuded skin.

* Desquamation: In this final stage, affected areas dry up and powdery scales form. Normal skin replaces these scales in 5 to 7 days.

How is it Diagnosed?


To diagnose SSSS, the doctor must carefully observe the disorder's three-stage progression. Microscopic examination of peeled skin may help to distinguish SSSS from other disorders. Isolation of the causative organism in cultures of skin lesions confirms the diagnosis.

How is it Treated?


Treatment includes systemic antibiotics - usually penicillinase­resistant penicillin - to treat the underlying infection as well as measures to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Complications are rare and residual scars are unlikely.

About the Author
By Mike Singh . For more great info on health diseases and ailments, visit http://www.health-diseases.org .

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