Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome caused by burn wound infection in an infant: A case report

Abstract

Objective: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome occurs because of infection by Staphylococcus aureus, which produces exfoliative toxin. Its symptom is primarily skin exfoliation. We report a rare case of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in a patient receiving burn treatment. Methods: An 8-month-old boy burned by hot water had partial thickness burns on 10% of his total body surface area. He was admitted to hospital and received fluid therapy and wound care treatment. During hospitalization, he developed a high fever and exfoliation of the skin, except for the burns. He then received antibiotic infusion treatment daily. Three days after initiating antibiotic therapy, he had epithelization of the raw surface, except for his burns. Skin exfoliation affected 36% of the total body surface area. Results: Staphylococcal aureus, which produced exfoliative toxin, was cultured from the burn wound on his breast. We diagnosed staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome due to burn wound infection. The skin exfoliation affected 36% of the total body surface area, which was less than the 80–95% described in previous reports. Conclusions: We believe that exfoliation may be reduced by applying appropriate antibiotic therapy. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome occurs primarily in children. If children undergoing burn treatment develop staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, then whole body control, including water management, is difficult. If exfoliation of the skin occurs in a burn patient, then clinicians should suspect staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. It is very important for clinicians to prevent enlargement of skin exfoliation through the early administration of antibiotic therapy. Keywords: Burn wound infection, Infant, Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome