Severe Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome with Multiple Complications in a 5-Week-Old Neonate: A Case from a Refugee Camp Clinic

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a severe, toxin-mediated dermatologic condition that primarily affects neonates and young children. It is characterized by widespread epidermal exfoliation, often complicated with dehydration and sepsis. This report describes a 5-week-old male neonate who presented with a 10-day history of rapidly progressing vesicular skin lesions ultimately leading to a near-total body exfoliation with radial fissuring and crusting around the mouth and eye, high-grade fever, severe dehydration, and concurrent conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum). The case highlights the critical importance of early diagnostic recognition and emergent care; including fluid resuscitation, meticulous skin and ocular care, especially in resource-limited or humanitarian practices. Such settings are often challenged with limited access to antibiotics, specialty care, and delayed patient presentation. The need for a comprehensive antibiotic strategy and preventive neonatal eye care is particularly important where there is co-occurrence of ophthalmia neonatorum. Where access to healthcare is limited by multiple social determinants, prognosis is usually poor. Improving survival in these environments will require strengthening both human resources and ensuring robust supply chains.