Use of skin substitute dressings in the treatment of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in neonates and young infants.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a rare toxin-mediated skin disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus and seen in infants and children younger than 5 years.

OBJECTIVES: The supportive role of skin substitutes in SSSS is stressed as a new and relatively unknown method.

METHODS: Retrospective observational case-series study, in neonates and young infants diagnosed with SSSS.

RESULTS: Seven infants with SSSS, treatment with antibiotics, skin substitutes, strict pain relief strategy and prognosis were described. One of them was severely affected and deceased.

CONCLUSION: This study describes 7 infants with SSSS and stresses the important role of skin substitutes as Omiderm® and Suprathel® as valuable adjuvant treatment modality.