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Related to Ritter's disease: impetigo, toxic epidermal necrolysis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, Pemphigus neonatorum
Etymology: 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 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. Compare toxic epidermal necrolysis.