staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome

noun

: an acute skin disorder especially of infants and immunocompromised individuals that is characterized by widespread erythema, peeling, and necrosis of the skin, that is caused by a toxin produced by a bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus (S. aureus), and that exposes the affected individual to serious infections but is rarely fatal if diagnosed and treated promptly
abbreviation SSSS
compare toxic epidermal necrolysis

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“Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/staphylococcal%20scalded%20skin%20syndrome. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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