Scalded skin syndrome in adults

What is scalded skin syndrome?

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a serious skin infection caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.

This bacterium produces an exfoliative toxin that causes the outer layers of skin to blister and peel, as if they’ve been doused with a hot liquid. SSSS — also called Ritter’s disease — is rare, affecting up to 56 people out of 100,000.

It’s most common in children under 6.

The bacterium that causes SSSS is common in healthy people.

Ssss treatment antibiotics

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, 40 percent of adults carry it (usually on their skin or mucous membranes) with no ill effects.

Problems arise when the bacteria enter the body through a crack in the skin.

The toxin the bacterium produces damages the ability of the skin to hold together. The upper layer of skin then breaks apart from the deeper layers, causing the hallmark peeling of SSSS.

The toxin can also enter the bloodstream, producing a