Abstract

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is an immense desquamating erythematous skin infection with features such as blistering and epidermal peeling. SSSS is rare in neonates presenting within 24 h of life in both term and preterm. We report a rare case presenting within 24 h, a 36-h-old neonate presenting with erythematous lesions over the genital area since 12 h of life, which progressed to involve the upper and lower limbs. The mucosal areas were spared. The culture from the lesion site isolated Staphylococcus, confirming SSSS. The baby improved on antibiotics administration with no fresh lesions and was discharged with a favorable outcome. A high index of suspicion, early and prompt initiation of treatment, and strict infection control measures are the indispensable steps in the management of SSSS in a neonate.

Key words: SSSS, infection control, NICU outbreak