(SJS)
Definition
Definition
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe illness associated with fever and skin problems including rash, blisters, and ulcers. Although it can affect skin all over the body, a trademark of SJS are problems of the skin inside the mouth, nose, and eyes.
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Causes
Causes
SJS is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain medications. It is not certain what causes the overreaction but it may be linked to genetic factors.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Medications that are most often associated with SJS include:
- Sulfonamides
- Aminopenicillins
- Quinolones
- Cephalosporins
- Tetracyclines
- Imidazole antifungals
- Aromatic anticonvulsants
Other factors that may increase your chance of SJS include:
- Diseases that decrease your immunity like HIV and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Certain genes
- Radiation therapy and taking anti-seizure medication to treat a brain tumor
- Certain infections such as
- Herpes
- Influenza
- Diphtheria
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis
Symptoms
Symptoms
SJS symptoms progress over time. Early symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Burning eyes
After several days, the following symptoms may occur:
- A red or purple rash that spreads
- Swelling of the face and tongue
- Skin pain
- Blisters on the skin and the skin inside the mouth, nose, and eyes
- Shedding of the skin
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This will often result in a diagnosis.
A sample of skin may be tested. This can be done with a biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. You may be referred to a specialist for treatment depending on your symptoms.
Treatment options include:
Medications
Your doctor may advise you to stop taking medications that may be causing the condition.
If not related to your symptoms, you may be given:
- Pain medication to reduce discomfort
- Antihistamines to reduce itching
- Oral steroids or IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) to treat the disease
- Lubricating or antibiotic eye drops
- Antibiotics to treat an infection caused by bacteria
Fluid Replacement
You may be given IV fluids at the hospital to replace lost fluids.
Skin Treatments
Treatments for the skin may include:
- Applying cool, wet compresses to blisters
- Removing dead skin
- Wound care
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of getting SJS, avoid taking the medications that cause SJS to occur.
Resources:
Shriners Hospitals for Children http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org
Canadian Resources:
References:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/conditions/stevens-johnson.html
Accessed October 3, 2013.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Patient UK website. Available at:
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/stevens-johnson-syndrome
Updated November 2, 2012. Accessed October 3, 2013.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated November 17, 2011. Accessed October 3, 2013.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014