Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome – the importance of early differential diagnosis based on clinical symptoms

Aldona Olejnik

doi:10.5114/dr.2024.148571

eISSN: 2084-9893
ISSN: 0033-2526

Dermatology Review/Przegląd Dermatologiczny

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5/2024
vol. 111

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abstract:

Case report

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome – the importance of early differential diagnosis based on clinical symptoms

Aldona Olejnik

¹

Independent Public Healthcare Centre (SPZOZ) Provincial Specialist Hospital No. 3, Rybnik, Poland

Dermatol Rev/Przegl Dermatol 2024, 111, 366-372

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/dr.2024.148571

Online publish date: 2025/02/25

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Introduction:
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), also referred to as Ritter’s disease or bullous exfoliative dermatitis, results from skin colonization by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and the inability of the kidneys to neutralize exfoliative toxins produced by certain SA strains. SSSS primarily affects neonates, young children, and adults with conditions such as immunodeficiency, renal failure, immunosuppressive therapy, or coexisting malignancies.

Objective:
To highlight the importance of Nikolsky’s sign as a key indicator in the rapid diagnosis of acute blistering skin conditions in children.

Case report:
We present the case of a 4-year-old child diagnosed with Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, initially misdiagnosed as allergic contact dermatitis.

Conclusions:
Nikolsky’s sign in SSSS can be observed in either in erythematous or clinically unaffected skin, serving as a crucial diagnostic indicator in bullous dermatoses.

keywords:

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, Staphylococcus aureus, Nikolsky’s sign

Indeks osobowy

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome – the importance of early differential diagnosis based on clinical symptoms

Aldona Olejnik 1

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, Staphylococcus aureus, Nikolsky’s sign

Aldona Olejnik

¹