SSSS
Medical abbreviation · Dermatology
| Stands for | Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SSSS stands for Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a dermatology abbreviation.
Blistering illness, mainly in children under five, caused by exfoliative toxins from Staphylococcus aureus that split the superficial epidermis. Tender red skin wrinkles and peels in sheets, often starting around the mouth and in skin folds.
Example: Febrile 2-year-old with periorificial crusting and tender skin peeling at folds: SSSS, IV nafcillin.
Usage notes
Because the split is high in the epidermis, the mouth and eyes are spared and scarring is rare, unlike toxic epidermal necrolysis. Adults with kidney failure, who clear the toxin poorly, can also be affected. In newborns it is called Ritter disease. Treatment is anti-staphylococcal antibiotics and skin care.
Related abbreviations
More dermatology abbreviations
- AA – Alopecia areata
- ABCDE – Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving (melanoma warning signs)
- ACD – Allergic contact dermatitis
- AD – Atopic dermatitis
- AGA – Androgenetic alopecia
- AGEP – Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
- AK – Actinic keratosis
- BCC – Basal cell carcinoma
- BP – Bullous pemphigoid
- CSU – Chronic spontaneous urticaria
- CTCL – Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- DH – Dermatitis herpetiformis
See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.