Summary Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is typically a clinical diagnosis,1 affecting primarily neonates and children. It is characterised by a diffuse skin disorder with tenderness, erythema, large wrinkled superficial blistering, and desquamation caused by the hematogenous dissemination of exotoxin-producing strains of staphylococcus aureus to the skin.4,10 Hospital admission is required for intravenous anti-staphylococcal antibiotic therapy and supportive care. The rarity of SSSS in adults is best explained by the presence of exotoxins neutralizing antibodies and renal elimination of the toxins.2 Two major risk factors are kidney failure and immunosuppression. Therefore, SSSS in adults warrants thorough evaluation.3 Mortality is also greater than 60% in adults, attributed to predisposing comorbid conditions.1,4 One of the mimickers of SSSS is toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Here, we report a successful treatment of SSSS in an adult with recreational drug abuse and incidental liver cirrhosis possibly secondary to hepatitis C viral infection, after careful exclusion of TEN.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome ; Staphylococcal Infections ; Adult