Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Another Deadly Rash
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a potentially fatal skin disease resulting from a drug reaction. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and the closely related disease toxic epidermal necrolysis have been linked to a reaction to the drug Bextra, a cox-2 inhibitor. Other drugs linked to Stevens-Johnson syndrome include Allopurinol, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and sulfa antibiotics.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can affect any age group, but is more common in older people, who potentially use these drugs more frequently than other age groups. Individuals with AIDS are at a higher risk of contracting both Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Other infectious diseases, including herpes, diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis, and influenza have been shown to cause or contribute to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In some causes, radiation therapy or ultraviolet therapy can cause or exacerbate Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can begin with flu-like symptoms, such as coughing, headaches, fever, and aches. These symptoms are followed by the development of a painful red or purple rash originating on the face and torso, which may spread elsewhere. The rash may form blisters, which can affect the eyes, mouth, and genital region. The extent of rash spreading varies by patients, but some experience rapid spreading over the course of several hours. Patients may experience swelling of the face and tongue, skin pain (typically associated with the rash), hives, and blistering of the skin and mucous membrane. Some patients may experience shedding or sloughing of the skin. Following the development of the rash, patients may experience a sore throat, a burning sensation in the eyes, an aggravated cough, or fever. The mucous membranes can become inflamed, and with toxic epidermal necrolysis, the outer layer of skin can peel. The body may begin to shed the nails and hair while the patient experiences chills and fever. The skin may appear burned, and the rapid loss of skin can lead to infection and death.
Treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis depends on the cause.
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