Scalded skin syndrome - Ritter's disease (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Pediatric scalded skin syndrome (or Ritter's disease) is a bullous skin disease caused by the toxin of a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, which produces exfoliative toxins. The most common symptoms are: diffuse reddening of the skin which is sensitive and/or painful to touch; in 24-48 hours, flaccid blisters (armpits, elbow, neck) and/or around the orifices (mouth, nose, anus) and/or around the orifices (mouth, nose, anus) which break easily resulting in large erosions leaving a wet, red, shiny surface (as if it were a burn); and fever. There may also be flaking in hands and feet and eye reddening. The diagnosis is based in the clinical appearance of the lesions. Confirmation may be reached through a smear culture of the surface of the lesions. It is treated with antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the lesions, admission to the hospital may be necessary to administer intravenous antibiotics, fluids and topical treatment of the skin lesions.