Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe skin condition in which the epidermis (the outer most layer of skin) disconnects from the dermis (directly beneath the epidermis but on top of the subcutaneous tissues, the inner-most layer of skin). In most cases, the causes of SJS are unidentifiable, and the disease arises spontaneously – which, in medical terms, is referred to as idiopathic. Occasionally, however, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is caused by severe reactions to certain drugs or, rarely, certain types of cancer.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 100,000 Americans die each year due to Stevens Johnson Syndrome. When Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms affect more than 30 percent of a patients' skin, the condition is then referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS). In other words, TENS is just a more severe form of SJS.

Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms will develop out of nowhere, and initially, they generally include fever, nausea, painful blisters and lesions, and skin irritation. As the condition progresses, it may also cause:

facial and tongue swelling
hives
skin rash that is red/purple and that spreads rapidly (within hours or a few days)
sloughing or shedding of the skin (as skin-cell death continues)
sore throat
widespread skin pain
worsening blisters that are most prevalent in the mouth, nose and eyes

It's essential that patients seek emergency medical care as soon as they are aware of the above symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatments offer the best chances of survival and recovery. In fact, even in the best cases, patients are admitted to an intensive care unit, and it generally takes them weeks to recover.

Medications Associated with Causing SJS & TENS

When a cause of Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome can be determined, it is often linked to complications that arise from taking certain types of medications, including:

Allopurinol and other gout-fighting drugs
Epileptic medications including Dilantin
Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and other non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs
Sulfonamides and penicillins (These are generally prescribed to cure bacterial injections)

Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Vs. Exfoliative Dermatitis

Like SJS & TENS, exfoliative dermatitis (ED) is a serious skin condition that may arise from complications associated with taking certain medications. However, the difference between these conditions is that, while Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome involve the death of skin cells, exfoliative dermatitis causes the rapid turnover of skin cells. Plainly, this means that patients with ED will experience skin cell death (like with SJS & TENS) but they will also be rapidly regenerating new skin cells. All three conditions are serious and will require emergency medical care for survival.

Ask a Lawyer About Your Condition

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome, you may benefit from consulting with an experienced attorney. If you believe your condition can be linked to a medication, call today (800) 481-7430 or send an email to one of our specialized Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyer and we will respond promptly.

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...

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"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...

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"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...

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