Stevens-Johnson syndrome
(Diseases)
On this page, you will find everything youSJSneed to know about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).
What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin condition that causes a rash, blisters, and subsequent skin peeling. It also affects the mucous membranes, including the eyes, genitals, and mouth. Skin peeling may involve up to 10% of the body and can be life-threatening.
- What are the symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
- Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome may include:
- Skin pain.
- Fever.
- Body aches.
- Red rash or red spots on the skin.
- Cough.
- Blisters and ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes, including the mouth, throat, eyes, genitals, and anus.
- Skin peeling.
- Drooling (due to mouth pain and difficulty closing the mouth).
Eye adhesion (due to blisters and swelling).
Painful urination (due to mucosal blistering).
- What causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
- Allergic reaction to a medication (symptoms typically appear1 to 3 weeks after starting the drug).
- Infections such as:
Mycoplasma pneumonia.
- Herpes virus.
- Hepatitis A.
- Allergic reaction to vaccines.
- Allergic reaction toNSAIDstransplanted organs.
Medications known to cause SJS, including:
Antibiotics (especially sulfa-based antibiotics).
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and phenobarbital.
- Allopurinol (used to treat gout).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as piroxicam, nevirapine, and diclofenac.
- How is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome diagnosed?
- Diagnosis is based on:
Medical history.
Physical examination.
- Evaluation of skin and mucosal lesions.
- Assessment of skin detachment extent.
- Skin biopsy.
- Blood tests.
- How is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome treated?
- Treatment is typically provided in a hospital setting, possibly in an intensive care unit or burn unit, and may include:
- Discontinuing the offending medication.
Administering intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
Applying non-adhesive dressings to affected skin.
Providing high-calorie nutrition, possibly through a feeding tube, to support healing.
Prescribing antibiotics when needed to prevent or treat infections.
- Using advanced therapies to accelerate recovery.
- How can Stevens-Johnson Syndrome be prevented?
- There is no guaranteed way to prevent SJS, as it is usually triggered by a medication, and it is often not possible to predict who will have an adverse reaction. Once a specific drug is identified as the cause, the patient must avoid that drug and any similar medications in the future.
- What arethe complications of Stevens-JohnsonSyndrome?
The most serious complication is death. Other complications may include:
Pneumonia.
Sepsis (widespread bacterial infection).
Shock.
Multiple organ failure.
Eye problems, such as dry eyes or vision impairment.
When should you see a doctor?
