Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast.

My name is Tom, and in this episode I'm going to be talking to you about

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.

And you can find written notes on this topic at zero definals.com slash sSS

or in the dermatology section of the Zero to Finals Pediatrics book.

But let's jump straight in.

Staphylococcal's scalded skin syndrome is a condition caused by a type of Staphylococcus

aureus-oreous bacteria that produces epidermolytic toxins.

These toxins are protease enzymes that break down the proteins that hold skin cells together.

When a skin infection occurs and these toxins are produced, the skin is damaged and breaks down.

This condition usually affects children under five years of age.

Older children and adults have usually developed immunity to the epidermalytic toxins,

so they're not affected.

Let's talk about the presentation.

Staphylococcal schooled skin syndrome usually starts with generalised patches of erythema on the skin.

The skin can look thin and wrinkled. This is followed by

the formation of fluid-filled blisters called bulli, which burst and leave very sore erythematous

skin below. This has a similar appearance to a burn or a scald. Nikolsky sign is where very gentle rubbing of the skin causes it to peel away.

And Nikolskyi sign will be positive in Staphylococcal's scalded skin syndrome.

Systemic symptoms include fever, irritability, lethargy and dehydration. If untreated, it can lead to sepsis and potentially death.

Finally, let's talk about management. Most patients will require admission and treatment with IV

antibiotics. Fluid and electrolyte balance is key to management as patients are prone to dehydration.

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