Rare neonatal dermatological emergency: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (Ritter disease)

A sixteen days old newborn was admitted with exfoliating erythematous lesions over the trunk, face, back and extremities for two days. A diagnosis of Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) also known as Ritter disease was made clinically. The child responded to Injection amoxycillin-clavulinic acid (Augmentin) and topical fusidic acid. Lesions gradually resolved over 72 hours and child was discharged after ten days of hospitalization. SSSS represents a rare dermatology emergency in neonate which if untreated can be life threatening.