This child show the classic features of another Scalded Skin Syndrome, yet another Staph Aureus-related disease.

How is the skin affected? Where are the bacteria? Is there necrosis? inflammation?

How does S. Aureus cause this disease?

On the next page we will compare scalded skin syndrome to a different skins condition.

Scalded skin syndrome occurs, usually in children, after a localized staphylococcal infection (otitis media or nasopharynx infection). S. Aureus produces exfoliative toxins that can act systemically. These toxins cleave desmoglein 1 (which keeps the epidermal granulosa layer together).

Despite its severe look, scalded skin syndrome usually resolves with no scarring.

Other complications of staph infections include: toxic shock syndrome, osteomyelitis, food poisoning, and pneumonia.