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Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardPaediatric and geneticsStaphylococcal scalded skin syndromeSCE Dermatology

A 66-year-old develops confirmed staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a presentation far less common than in young children. Which coexisting problem should be actively sought because it predisposes adults to toxin accumulation or impaired defence?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Renal impairment or clinically significant immunosuppression

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D

B is correct. Adult SSSS is unusual and is associated particularly with renal impairment, which reduces clearance of circulating exfoliative toxin, and with immunosuppression, which impairs toxin-neutralising defence. These associations also contribute to the worse adult prognosis and should prompt a deliberate systemic assessment.

Reference: DermNet: staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/staphylococcal-scalded-skin-syndrome