The strain of Staphylococcus aureus must be positive for the exfoliative toxin gene.
Risk factors for staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an adult:
(1) renal failure (which results in an inability to excrete the exfoliatoxin)
(2) immunodeficiency syndrome, including AIDS
(3) immunosuppression (corticosteroids, other)
(4) malignancy (malignant lymphoma, leukemia, metastatic cancer)
(5) severe malnutrition with cachexia
(6) chronic substance abuse, usually alcohol
Type of infection with Staphyloccous aureus.
(1) infected intravascular catheter
(2) infected shunt
(3) parenteral injection
(4) septic arthritis
(5) abscess
(6) cellulitis
(7) bacteremia
