Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is characterized primarily by the presence of a blistering skin condition caused by specific toxins produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus. In this syndrome, tissues are affected on a deeper level, leading to a separation of the epidermis from the dermis, which can manifest as the formation of large, tender bullae that are filled with clear fluid. The development of scales is a significant characteristic of SSSS. As the superficial layers of skin begin to shed due to the action of the toxins, scales can form in the areas where the epidermis has been damaged. This shedding leads to the appearance of flaky skin as the affected areas begin to heal, differentiating it from conditions that primarily involve painful lesions or intense itching. Ultimately, while the other symptoms like painful lesions, tender bullae, and persistent itching may be associated with various skin disorders, the hallmark of SSSS is the characteristic development of these scales that result from the particular pathophysiology of the syndrome caused by Staphylococcus aureus.