Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

Maria Ulfa, M.Yulianto Listiawan

Department of Dermato-Venereology

Medical Faculty of Airlangga University, Dr. Soetomo General Hospital

Surabaya

Abstract

Back ground : Staphylococccal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a staphylococcal epidermolytic toxin-mediated disease characterized by erythema and widespread detachment of the superficial layers of the epidermis. Therapy should be directed toward eradication of staphylococci from the focus of infection, which generally requires intravenous penicillinase-resistant anti-staphylococcal antibiotics.

Case : a 15-day-old male neonate came with generalized “peeling of the skin”. 4 days before admission there were mild fever, malaise, appears irritable and got poor feeding. The following day the skin become red and easy to “peel off”, initially on his groin area than spread to entire body within 2 days. Nikolsky sign became positive over his entire body surface. We gave cloxacillin 3×55 mg intravenous during 3 days, continued cloxacillin 3×55 mg orally during 10 days and also supportive therapy. Staphylococcus aureus grew from the cultures of the infant’s nasopharinx.

Discussion : in this case the diagnosis of SSSS made by clinical presentation and bacterial culture. The source of Staphylococcus aureus was nasopharinx, but it without clinically apparent infection. He responded well to therapy cloxacillin and was discharged after 14 days in good condition with normal skin.

Key Words : Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, neonate