Living with Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
A rare skin reaction to a bacterial toxin that causes red patches, large blisters, and skin that looks scalded.
Understanding Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Red patches appear, and large blisters form on them. When the blisters break, the skin looks red and scalded. It usually starts on the face and spreads quickly. It can lead to pneumonia and sepsis (a serious reaction to infection). It most often affects newborns and infants.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD describes these:
- Widespread red patches
- Large blisters
- Red, scalded-looking skin after blisters break
- Skin changes that start on the face
- Skin changes that spread quickly
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by toxins from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that damage the top layer of skin.
Also known as: dermatitis exfoliativa neonatorum; generalised exfoliative disease; generalized exfoliative disease; pemphigus neonatorum; ritter disease; ritter's disease
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
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