What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Look at This Potential Adverse Reaction
Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is a rare, serious condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It's often triggered by an adverse drug reaction, particularly from certain medications such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it can also be caused by infections or other factors. Awareness of potential triggers is essential for prevention and early intervention.
Named after the doctors who first described it, SJS is characterized by the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms followed by a painful rash that may lead to the shedding of the skin. This condition can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications, and it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. In some cases, it may escalate to a more severe form known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which involves extensive skin loss and can be life-threatening.
Contents:
- Causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
- Medications
- Infections
- Other Triggers
- Recognizing SJS Symptoms
- Initial Symptoms
- Skin and Mucous Membrane Symptoms
- When to Seek Help
- Risk Factors for Stevens Johnson Syndrome
- Diagnosis of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
- Treatment Options for Stevens Johnson Syndrome
- Complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
- Preventing Stevens Johnson Syndrome
- Frequently Asked Questions about Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Medications
The most common triggers for Stevens Johnson Syndrome are various medications, including:
- Antibiotics: Sulfonamides, penicillins, cephalosporins, azithromycin, vancomycin, doxycycline, and gentamicin
- Anticonvulsants: Phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Varying NSAIDs implicated
- Other medications: Allopurinol (for gout), certain HIV medications, and steroids
Infections
- Bacterial: Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Viral: Cytomegalovirus and other viral infections
Other Triggers
- Vaccinations: Rarely
- Herbal medicines and chemicals: Less common causes
[1]: Mayo Clinic. (2021). Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stevens-johnson-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20356768[2]: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2021). What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)? https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/stevens-johnson-syndrome-toxic-epidermal-necrolysis[3]: American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). I want to learn about...Stevens-Johnson syndrome. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/immune-system/stevens-johnson-syndrome[4]: UpToDate. (2021). Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: Epidemiology and etiology. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/stevens-johnson-syndrome-and-toxic-epidermal-necrolysis-etiology-and-epidemiology[5]: British Association of Dermatologists. (2021). Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). https://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/patient-information-leaflets/skin-blistering-disorders/stevens-johnson-syndrome-sjs-and-toxic-epidermal-necrolysis-ten
The first sentence could be: "Understanding the causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is important, as it can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including medications such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, NSAIDs, and other medications, infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and certain viral infections, and less common causes like vaccinations, herbal medicines, and chemicals."
The second sentence could be: "In the realm of health and wellness, it's crucial to be mindful of potential triggers for skin conditions like Stevens Johnson Syndrome, especially when it comes to skin-care products and medical treatments, to ensure proper management and prevent severe complications."
