Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Superinfection in a Child with COVID-19: A Brief Case Report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Ali Hoseininasab 1
Reza Sinaei 2
Maedeh Jafari 3
Parvin Abbaslu 4

1 Infectious and Tropical Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran & Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran & Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

https://doi.org/10.34172/jkmu.2022.70
Abstract
Background: While the exact prevalence of bacterial co-infection and superinfection in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear, numerous scattered reports of it are on the rise.
Case Presentation: Our case was a 14-month-old infant with fever, truncal erythema, and scalded skin in flexor folds and also in perianal and perioral regions. A positive Nikolsky’s sign was observed. The oropharyngeal mucosa was intact. The patient was diagnosed with staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) according to clinical features and a skin culture report. Due to the general impact of COVID-19 these days, the patient was evaluated for coronavirus via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and the result was positive. The patient successfully responded to the treatment which included hydration, wet compress, topical emollient, topical mupirocin for periorificial regions, and intravenous clindamycin. He was discharged after nine days without any complications.
Conclusion: This case highlights a clear bacterial infection superimposed on COVID-19. Nevertheless, inconspicuous cases of co-infections remain obscure and require a more diagnostic suspicion.

Keywords

Coronavirus disease 2019
COVID-19
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Bacterial co-infections
Bacterial superinfection
Nikolsky’s sign
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Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Volume 29, Issue 6
November and December 2022
Pages 565-567

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