The scalded skin syndrome is a contagious disease that consists of a reaction of the skin to an infection by some species of bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, which release a toxic substance that promotes peeling of the skin, leaving it with the appearance of burnt skin.
Newborns and babies are more susceptible to this syndrome because their immune system is not yet well developed. However, it can also appear in older children or in adults, especially those who have a weak kidney function or immune system.
The treatment consists of the administration of antibiotics and analgesics and the application of moisturizing creams that accelerate the recovery of the skin.
Possible symptoms
The symptoms of this syndrome begin with the appearance of an isolated wound, which appears most often in the diaper area or around the rest of the umbilical cord, in the case of babies, on the face, in cases of older children, or even in any part of the body, in the case of adults.
After 2 or 3 days, the infection site begins to show other signs such as:
- Intense redness; Intense pain on touch; Peeling of the skin.
Over time, if the infection is not treated, the toxin continues to spread throughout the body, starting to affect other parts of the body and becoming more visible in places of friction such as the buttocks, skin folds, hands or feet, for example..
During this worsening process, the top layer of the skin starts to come apart in pieces, giving way to a burnt-looking skin, with water bubbles that break easily, also causing symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness, irritability, loss of appetite, conjunctivitis or even dehydration.
How to get
This disease is caused by some subspecies of the Staphylococcus bacterium , which enter the body through a cut or wound and release toxins that hinder the healing of the skin and its ability to maintain the structure, causing the surface layer to begin to peel, similar to a burn.
These toxins can spread to the rest of the body through the bloodstream and reach the skin of the entire body, and can even cause a generalized and severe infection, known as septicemia. See what septicemia symptoms to watch out for.
However, Staphylococcus bacteria are always present on the skin, without causing any kind of infection in healthy people. Thus, scalded skin syndrome is generally only at risk for people with weakened immune systems, as in the case of babies or adults who are experiencing a serious illness or after surgery, for example.
How the treatment is done
Generally the treatment consists of the administration of antibiotics intravenously and later orally, analgesics such as paracetamol and moisturizing creams to protect the new skin that forms. In the case of newborns affected by this syndrome, they are usually kept in an incubator.
The superficial layer of the skin is quickly renewed, healing in about 5 to 7 days after the beginning of the treatment. However, if not treated in a timely manner, this infection can cause pneumonia, infectious cellulitis or even generalized infection.
