Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in a Breastfed Newborn: A Case Report

Abstract

The authors reveal a clinical report of a 9-day-old newborn girl admitted to the emergency department with generalized erythematous blisters and desquamation without systemic symptoms. A purulent drainage was observed in the left groin area. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) was suspected and the newborn was transferred to a pediatric intensive care unit where she started intravenous antibiotics and supportive care. During her stay in the intensive care unit, Staphylococcus aureus (SA) was isolated from the culture obtained from the left groin lesion. A culture from the mother's milk, that did not show any signs of mastitis, was performed which yielded a pure growth of SA. The child improved after empirical treatment with antibiotic. SSSS is potentially life-threatening and thus its early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial to improve patients' outcomes. Further studies are required to better understand the role of breast milk in the transmission of SA.