Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare, severe skin reaction, often triggered by medications. It demands immediate hospitalization. This article explores SJS, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and potential complications, accompanied by illustrative photos.
Causes of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
SJS typically arises from an adverse reaction to certain drugs, including:
- Epilepsy medications (e.g., carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, phenobarbital)
- Antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole and other sulfa antibiotics)
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers (e.g., oxicam anti-inflammatories like meloxicam and piroxicam)
- Allopurinol (used to treat gout)
- Nevirapine (used to treat HIV)
- Sulfasalazine (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease)
In children, infections like the flu, cold sores, or glandular fever can sometimes trigger SJS.
Recognizing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Symptoms and Photos
SJS often begins with flu-like symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, and joint pain. A distinctive rash follows a few days later, characterized by circular patches with darker centers and lighter outer rings. These patches spread rapidly across the body, including the face, arms, legs, and genitals.
Blisters then form, rupture, and leave painful sores. The skin peels easily, resembling a severe burn. Blisters can also affect the mouth, throat, genitals, and eyes, causing pain and impacting swallowing, urination, and vision.
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Call emergency services immediately if you or your child experience:
- A circular rash with a darker center after an infection or starting new medication.
- A rash accompanied by itching, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling skin.
- Wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing or talking.
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
These could indicate a severe reaction like SJS requiring urgent hospital treatment.
Treatment and Recovery from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
SJS necessitates hospital care, often in intensive care. Treatment involves:
- Stopping the causative medication.
- Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Skin creams and dressings to protect and moisturize the skin.
- Strong painkillers.
- Medications to control inflammation and prevent infection.
Recovery takes weeks or months. Fatigue is common post-discharge. Skin healing typically takes 2-3 weeks, potentially longer with infection. Patients must avoid the triggering medication and similar drugs indefinitely.
Long-Term Complications of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
SJS can lead to serious long-term complications:
- Skin infections, discoloration, scarring.
- Lung, liver, and kidney problems.
- Chronic eye inflammation, vision impairment.
- Scarring in the genital area.
While rare, SJS is a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate treatment is crucial for minimizing complications and ensuring the best possible outcome.
