STAPHYLOCOCCAL SCALDED SKIN SYNDROME

'Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome', SSSS, also known as 'Pemphigus neonatorum' or 'Ritter's disease', is a dermatological condition caused by ''Staphylococcus aureus''.

Contents

Pathophysiology

Symptoms

Ritter's Disease of the Newborn

Pathophysiology

The syndrome is induced by 2 epidermolytic exotoxins A and B, which are released by ''S. aureus'' and cause the epidermis to detach from the underlying dermis. One of the exotoxins is produced by the bacterial chromosome, while the other is produced by a plasmid. (Bacterial plasmids are pieces of self-replicating DNA that often code for secondary characteristics, such as antibiotic resistance, and toxin production.)

Symptoms

The disease presents with widespread blister formation. The fluid filled bullae are thin walled and are easily ruptured on light touch leaving denuded areas (Nikolsky's sign). Notably the mucosal membranes are spared!
It resembles Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. However, the latter entity involves mucous membranes as well!
The disease is rare in adults.

Ritter's Disease of the Newborn

Ritter's Disease of the Newborn is the most severe form of SSSS with signs and symptoms equivalent to that of SSSS.