The Many Lives of Staph: Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in Two Brothers Secondary to Staphylococcus aureus-Associated Ecthyma Gangrenosum

TL;DR

This paper discusses two brothers who developed a rare skin condition caused by a Staphylococcus aureus infection, highlighting the need to understand why people respond differently to such infections.

Contribution

The novelty lies in presenting a rare case of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome following ecthyma gangrenosum in two siblings.

Findings

Two young siblings presented with Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome after developing ecthyma gangrenosum.

Prompt treatment of the Staphylococcus aureus infection led to symptom resolution and recovery.

The case suggests a need to better understand factors influencing clinical responses to Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Abstract

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a rare, infectious entity whereby the systemic distribution of Staphylococcal toxins results in the development of multiple symptoms, the most notable of which is a desquamative rash. Ecthyma gangrenosum, a skin infection most frequently occurring in immunocompromised individuals, is similarly uncommon. Herein, we present the case of two young siblings presenting with SSSS following the development of ecthyma gangrenosum. Prompt treatment of the Staphylococcal infection led to resolution of symptoms and recovery. Our case highlights the need to better elucidate the underlying factors driving variation in clinical response to Staphylococcal aureus infections.

Figures