Infection control consequences – early Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome or Kawasaki Syndrome?

Childhood exanthemata are caused by a broad spectrum of common pathogens. Many exanthemata initially present very similarly, even though caused by different organisms, ranging from virus to bacteria and their respective toxins. In the majority of cases the diagnosis is only of academic value, since therapy does hardly differ. However, in some cases accurate and prompt diagnosis is paramount, since therapy and appropriate hygiene measures prevent morbidity and mortality. We present a case with two differential diagnoses, Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome and Kawasaki Syndrome, which demonstrates the importance of considering relatively rare conditions as the cause of a childhood exanthema and discuss differences in therapeutic and infection control management. From an infection control point of view, Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome is, in contrast to Kawasaki Syndrome, highly transmittable to other paediatric patients via the hands of the staff. Therefore maintaining correct hand hygiene as well as other infection control measures are of importance until the final diagnosis is established.