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disease epidermal_necrolysisStevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis are part of the same potentially fatal skin disorder. Both skin diseases can cause rash, skin peeling and sores on the mucous membranes that resemble a severe burn and are just as life threatening. Nearly all cases of Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis are the result of a reaction to a drug. Most recently, over-the-counter ibuprofen makers have been the targets of lawsuits alleging their drugs have caused Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis but did not adequately warn of the dangers.
Both Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis will usually begin with a fever, headache, body ache and cough that can last up to two weeks. Progression of the diseases usually happens fast, and within three days the patient can end up with large areas of the skin peeled off, often just from slight touch. If caused by a medication, the patient must immediately discontinue it. The Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis related lawsuits allege warnings were not provided, so patients were unaware of the potential effects.
Patients with Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis will break out in blisters on the mucous membranes that line the mouth, throat, anus, genitals and eyes. The blisters can be extremely painful and make it difficult for the patient to close their mouth, eat, see or urinate. Skin on the blisters accompanying Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis is very loose and easily rubs off.
People suffering from Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis are hospitalized and treated in a burn unit, when possible. Anything suspected of causing Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis is immediately discontinued, though some cases will have unidentified causes. The loss of skin can cause fluids and salts to come out of the damaged and exposed areas, which can open the patient up to infection. Since the majority of fatalities are because of infection, a large focus will be placed on efforts to avoid infection.
Differing from burns, if patients recover from Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis the skin will grow back on its own, so skin grafts will not be needed. To replace the lost fluids and salts from the open wounds, Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis treatment will include intravenous therapy. Risk of infection from Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis is so dangerous that some treatment methods are disputed.
Some doctors prefer the use of corticosteroids to treat Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis, but other doctors believe the use of the treatment method is risky since it can lower the immune system, which can make the potential for infection even greater. Depending on the patient and the progression of the Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis, the treatment method will be discussed depending on the individual since every person can experience symptoms differently.
In February 2005, a group of doctors and families called on federal regulators to warn the public that ibuprofen can cause the rare but potentially fatal skin reactions Stevens Johnson and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The group filed its petition with the FDA, asking the agency to order on-label warnings on products containing ibuprofen.