Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in Melanated Skin: A Pediatric Case Report
Aleah LaFrancis-Ream1, Scott Gutovitz1, Hannah Chotiner2
1Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Background:
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a dermatologic emergency that most commonly affects young children, requiring prompt recognition and treatment to avoid severe symptoms and fatal sequelae. It is characterized by a desquamation of the skin caused by exotoxins produced by the Staphylococcus aureus species and may present differently in melanated skin.
Case Presentation:
Our case describes a 6-month-old Black infant girl who presented to the emergency department with SSSS that was unrecognized on 2 prior encounters. This delay in diagnosis and the misapplication of topical antibacterial agents and steroids may have contributed to the worsening of her symptoms when she presented for the third visit.
Conclusion:
Emergency medicine providers should be aware of how SSSS presents in children with melanated skin to decrease misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

