Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) in Children

Most cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome affect adults, particularly Caucasian men between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. However, SJS has been reported to develop in both males and females, even in children. In fact, the youngest documented Stevens Johnson Syndrome patient was 3 months old. Painful and life threatening, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe skin disease that develops spontaneously and, in half of all cases, for no determinable reason. When a cause can be identified, it may be related to:

certain types of cancer
exposure to radiation therapy or ultraviolet light
allergic or adverse reaction to certain types of over-the-counter or prescription drugs, such as Child’s Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, anti-seizure drugs, penicillin, anti-gout medications, etc.
use of cocaine
viral infections, such as herpes, HIV, diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis and influenza.

The condition is pretty rare, however, the consequences are worth knowing. They can result in life-changing consequences such as permanent blindness and damage to the heart, liver and kidney.

Medications that May Cause SJS in a Child

Some medications have the potential to cause SJS to form in a child. Such medications include:

Children’s Motrin
Children’s Advil

Recognizing Stevens Johnson Syndrome in Children

Knowing the symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is important. Visible symptoms of SJS include:

facial and tongue swelling
lesions, hives and/or skin rash that is particularly worse and concentrated in the body's mucous membranes (i.e. the eyes, nose and mouth)
nausea
a rapidly spread, red or purple skin rash
sloughing or shedding of the skin (as skin-cell death continues)
sore throat
widespread skin pain

If your child starts exhibiting or complaining of any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care for a proper diagnosis. To confirm or rule out the presence of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, physicians will study a child's medical history (including his/her history of taking medication), perform a thorough physical exam and perform a biopsy. With an official diagnosis, emergency medical treatments will ensure, generally in an intensive care unit or a burn ward.

Legal Help For Children and Parents

If your child develops flu-like symptoms followed by rash or lesions on the body, you should seek emergency medical care. Stevens Johnson syndrome is extremely serious and can have lasting, even deadly effects. Once your child has been treated, you can seek legal help from a qualified Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorney by call us today, toll free at (800) 481-7430. We have a special interest in the safety of children and will fight aggressively to make sure any responsible party is held accountable.

Disease Breaking News

"Former NBA player Manute Bol dies after fighting Stevens-Johnson Syndrome"

Manute Bol, a former NBA player and humanitarian, recently passed away from kidney failure and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Bol, who was 47-years-old, was renowned for his 7"7' frame and tireless efforts to improve his native Sudan for his fe...

» Read More

"Stop smoking drug linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome"

Health officials and a drug company in Canada are issuing stronger warnings about an anti-smoking drug, which cautions that the drug could cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Health Canada and Pfizer Canada increased the warnings for the smoking ce...

» Read More

"Family of jailed woman with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome criticize prison staff"

The family of a jailed woman who is suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is criticizing the prison staff for allowing her condition to go untreated.

Charity-Lekiea Brown was recently sent to prison for not paying child support and a prison d...

» Read More

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