Overview
Nikolsky sign is a skin finding caused by a staphylococcal infection in which the superficial layers of skin slip free from the lower layers with a slight rubbing pressure. Large areas of the skin will blister and peel away leaving wet, red and painful areas.
Review Date 2/15/2024
Updated by: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.