On this page, you will find everything you need 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?
Causes may include:
- Allergic reaction to a medication (symptoms typically appear 1 to 3 weeks after starting the drug)
- Infections such as:
- Mycoplasma pneumonia.
- .
- Allergic reaction to .
- Allergic reaction to transplanted 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.
- Administering pain-relief medications.
- 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 are the complications of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
The most serious complication is death. Other complications may include:
- .
- Sepsis (widespread bacterial infection).
- Shock.
- Multiple organ failure.
- Eye problems, such as or vision impairment.
When should you see a doctor?
Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome to identify the cause and prevent the condition from worsening.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is at risk of developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
SJS commonly affects children and adults under the age of 30. However, it can occur at any age, especially in the elderly. It is more prevalent in females than males.
How long does recovery from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome take?
The skin usually begins to heal within 2–3 weeks if no infections occur. After hospital discharge, fatigue is common, and full recovery may take weeks or even months.
