Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome due to burn wound infection

A. Farroha, Q. Frew, S. Jabir, P. Dziewulski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction. The staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is an acute exfoliation of the skin caused by exfoliative toxins A and B. Although Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of burn wound infection, SSSS following burn wound infection is rare. Method. A retrospective review of all SSSS cases admitted to a regional burns service between January 2008 and January 2012 was undertaken. Results. Two cases of SSSS were reported during this time period as occurring following burns injury. The first case was a 17-month-old boy who had been hospitalized for a conservative treatment of 6% total body surface area (TBSA) mixed depth scald burns. On day four he developed exfoliation of 85% TBSA. The second case was a ten-month-old boy who sustained a 1% TBSA scald burn and was managed conservatively in the community by his general practitioner. On day five, he developed exfoliation of 80% TBSA. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the burn wounds in both cases. Conclusion: These two cases show that it is vital for burns surgeons and intensive care specialists to be aware of the possibility of SSSS occurring in patients with burn injuries with its potential devastating effects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)140-142
Number of pages3
JournalAnnals of Burns and Fire Disasters
Volume25
Issue number3
StatePublished - Sep 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Burns
  • Exfoliative toxins
  • SSSS
  • Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
  • Staphylococcus aureus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Emergency
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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