SSS
Also written as: SSS — Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome; a severe blistering dermatosis caused by exfoliative toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus.
Full Definition
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSS) predominantly affects neonates and young children, though immunocompromised adults can also present with the condition. Exfoliative toxins A and B cleave desmoglein-1 in the superficial epidermis, producing widespread superficial blistering and skin peeling that resembles a scald. In clinical documents, SSS is distinguished from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) by the level of epidermal split—SSS splits intra-epidermally, TEN sub-epidermally. Editors working on paediatric dermatology or infectious disease reports must ensure the acronym is expanded at first use and not conflated with TEN or other blistering disorders.
Usage
Usage note: Expand at first use. Do not confuse with TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis), which has a different epidermal split level and poorer prognosis in adults.
In Context
- "The neonatal unit discharge summary described SSS (Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome) confirmed by bacterial culture and managed with intravenous flucloxacillin." — Neonatal discharge summary
- "Editors must expand SSS at first mention to avoid confusion with other acronyms used in the same paediatric report." — Editorial guideline