Ritter’s disease [Gottfried Ritter von Rittershain, German physician, 1820–1883] , a rare staphylococcal infection of newborns that begins with red spots about the mouth and chin, gradually spreading over the entire body, and is followed by generalized exfoliation. Vesicles and yellow crusts may also be present. Ritter’s disease is usually fatal unless treated with antibiotics. Also called dermatitis exfoliativa neonatorum, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Compare toxic epidermal necrolysis.
