Professional Documents
Culture Documents
12
12
Patient Care
Education
URMCResearch
Community
About URMC
MyChartLogin
Health Encyclopedia
InteractiveEncyclopedia Tools
Healthy Living
Your Family
Drug Reference
Prevention Planner
Search Encyclopedia
Search Encyclopedia
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) in Children
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a serious skin infection. The infection causes peeling skin
over large parts of the body. It looks like the skin has been scalded or burned by hot liquid. It’s more
common in the summer and fall.
It’s caused by an infection with a type of Staphylococcal aureus bacteria. The bacteria releases poison
(toxins) that cause the skin to blister and peel.
It can occur at any age, but children younger than age 6 are at highest risk. Other risk factors include:
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:
Fussiness (irritability)
Tiredness
Fever
Redness of the skin
Fluid-filled blisters that break easily and leave an area of moist skin that soon becomes tender and
painful
The symptoms of SSSS can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees a healthcare
provider for a diagnosis.
The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history and do a physical
exam. Your child may also have tests, such as:
Skin biopsy. A tiny sample of skin is sent to a lab and examined under a microscope. A frozen section can
be done quickly to confirm the diagnosis.
Cultures. These are tests to find out which bacteria are present. Cultures may be done of the blood,
urine, nose and throat, and skin. In newborns, a culture of the belly button may also be done.
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how
severe the condition is.
Your child will likely need to be treated in the intensive care (ICU)s or burn unit of the hospital. This is
because the treatment is similar to treating a child with burns. Treatment may include:
Feedings through a tube from the mouth into the stomach (nasogastric feeding), if needed
Pain medicines
Children who are treated right away usually recover with no scarring or other problems. But in some
cases, complications may include:
Scarring
Death
Call the healthcare provider right away if your child has red, blistering skin. If the healthcare provider is
not available, go to the emergency room.
In children, the disease usually starts with fussiness, tiredness, and a fever. This is followed by redness
and blistering of the skin.
Treatment usually requires a hospital stay, often in the burn or intensive care unit of the hospital.
Children who get treatment quickly usually recover with no scarring or complications.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also
write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what
the side effects are.
Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your child’s healthcare provider after office hours, and on weekends and
holidays. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.
Medical Reviewers:
Michael Lehrer MD
Rita Sather RN
Make an Appointment
URMC Dermatology
URMC Information
About URMC
Our Hospitals
Job Opportunities
Contact Information
Tools
Find a Provider
Price Transparency
Health Encyclopedia
Event Calendar
Faculty Lists
General Information
University of Rochester
Policies
Emergency Information