Overview
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), sometimes called Ritter's disease or pemphigus neonatorum, is a serious skin condition caused by toxins released by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. These toxins travel through the bloodstream and attack proteins that hold the outer layers of skin together. When those proteins break down, the skin separates and peels away in large sheets, making it look like the skin has been scalded by hot water — even though no burn has occurred. The condition most often affects newborns and young children under the age of five, though it can occasionally occur in older children or adults with weakened immune systems or kidney problems. It usually starts with redness and tenderness around the face, neck, or diaper area, followed by blistering and widespread skin peeling. Children may also have a fever and appear very unwell. Treatment involves hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics to kill the bacteria, careful wound care to protect the raw skin, and fluids to prevent dehydration. With prompt treatment, most children recover fully within one to two weeks. The outlook is generally very good for children, though the condition can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Widespread skin redness that is tender to the touchSkin that peels off in large sheetsBlisters that break easily and leave raw, moist areasSkin that looks and feels like it has been burned or scaldedFever and general feeling of being very unwellRedness and crusting around the eyes, nose, and mouthSkin folds such as the neck, armpits, and groin are often affected firstIrritability and crying, especially when skin is touchedDehydration due to fluid loss through damaged skinPositive Nikolsky sign — skin slides off when gently rubbed
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How do you know this is SSSS and not another blistering condition like toxic epidermal necrolysis?,Which antibiotic will my child receive, and how will you know if it is working?,How should I care for my child's skin at home after discharge?,Is there any risk that other family members or siblings could get this infection?,How long will it take for my child's skin to fully heal?,Are there any signs I should watch for at home that would mean I need to bring my child back to the hospital?,Could my child have a higher risk of getting this again in the future?
Common questions about Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
What is Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome?
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), sometimes called Ritter's disease or pemphigus neonatorum, is a serious skin condition caused by toxins released by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. These toxins travel through the bloodstream and attack proteins that hold the outer layers of skin together. When those proteins break down, the skin separates and peels away in large sheets, making it look like the skin has been scalded by hot water — even though no burn has occurred. The condition most often affects newborns and young children under the age of five, though it can occa
How is Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome inherited?
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.