Objective To explore distinctive clinical manifestations and appropriate treatment, and assess prognosis of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome ( SSSS). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of the data of 82 cases of SSSS hospitalized at Xinhua Hospital during the period from May 1993 to September 2003.Results The disease in all the 82 patients occurred in their first decade ( mean 2.5 years). Possible predisposing factors were found in 48 (58. 5% ). Fever was present in 78 (95. 1% ). Radial spokes of crusting around mouth were present in 80 (97. 6% ). Erythema began on the face, especially around the mouth and eye in 63 (76. 8% ).The course was acute in all cases and the eruptions quickly spread to the whole body within one day to two days. Of the 82 cases of SSSS, 47 were complete form of SSSS, 27 were abortive form of SSSS, and 8 were between the two forms. Staphylococcus aureus with positive staphylocoagulase was isolated from the possible primary infection sites including pharynx, eyelid, conjunctiva, nose, ear, and skin in 18 of 31 patients. Microbiological cultures of bullae and little pustulae developed after the onset were negative in 16 cases. All the 82 patients completely recovered after receiving antibiotic therapy ( ceftriaxone, oxacillin ) alone or in combination with human immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. Additional IVIG therapy was used in those patients who had systemic involvements such as pneumonia, fever higher than 38. 5℃ or leukocytosis. Conclusion SSSS is a spectrum disease. Besides abortive and complete forms, presenting between the two forms a new form might be appeared in 8 cases who developed both scarlatiniform rash and flaccid bullae. The abortive form and complete form are usually misdiagnosed clinically. Radial spokes of crusting around mouth seem to be characteristic manifestation of SSSS. All the patients in this study had favorable prognosis after receiving prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.