Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Superinfection in a Child with COVID-19: A Brief Case Report

Abstract

Background: While the exact prevalence of bacterial co-infection and superinfection in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear, numerous scattered reports of it are on the rise. Case Presentation: Our case was a 14-month-old infant with fever, truncal erythema, and scalded skin in flexor folds and also in perianal and perioral regions. A positive Nikolsky’s sign was observed. The oropharyngeal mucosa was intact. The patient was diagnosed with staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) according to clinical features and a skin culture report. Due to the general impact of COVID-19 these days, the patient was evaluated for coronavirus via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and the result was positive. The patient successfully responded to the treatment which included hydration, wet compress, topical emollient, topical mupirocin for periorificial regions, and intravenous clindamycin. He was discharged after nine days without any complications. Conclusion: This case highlights a clear bacterial infection superimposed on COVID-19. Nevertheless, inconspicuous cases of co-infections remain obscure and require a more diagnostic suspicion.

Keywords

• coronavirus disease 2019 covid-19 staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome bacterial co-infections bacterial superinfection nikolsky’s sign