Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe disease which effects the skin and the mucous membrane of the victim. The disease can be life threatening, and is closely related to other dangerous blistering disorders. The disease is quite rare, and there has been contention among doctors about how SJS relates to similar disorders.
SJS has now been placed into its own category as a separate blistering disease. SJS is a less serious form of toxic epidermal necrolysis. There are many clinical symptoms for SJS that one must be aware of. The patient will typically get a fever, and they may also suffer from a sore throat or painful headaches. After this the patient will begin to have annular blisters which may cover a portion or the entire skin on their bodies.
The blisters usually start out small and on one area of the skin, but will soon spread and become much larger. It is also possible that this disorder may endanger the eyesight of the patient. In situations where the eyes of the patient are threatened, an ophthalmologist may need to be called to offer assistance.
SJS is can be categorized as an allergic reaction to certain types of medication. It is an inflammation of the skin which is caused by numerous lesions which may turn into large blisters. Some individuals are allergic to certain types of medication such as antibiotics, amoxicillin, or other drugs. It is important for doctors and other healthcare professionals to check the medical history of their patients before administering certain drugs.
Doctors want to avoid administering drugs which are likely to give a patient an allergic reaction which could lead to SJS. Some prescription medications may also likely be culprits. It is important for patients who purchase over the counter drugs to make sure they understand their health history and any substances which they may be allergic to.
Some sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes could lead to the development of SJS. Mumps and many infections which are virally transmitted have been known to lead to this disease as well. When only 10% of the skin is infected, many doctors refer to the condition as SJS while if 90% of the skin is covered they refer to the condition as TEN, which is a much more serious form of SJS.
Doctors treat patients who suffer from SJS the same way they treat people who have been severely burned. The patient typically needs to receive extensive care, and IV liquids are generally used to treat the disease. The patient may also be given an oral anodyne in order to help rinse their mouths in order to stop ulcers from developing.
The best way to avoid getting this disease is to be aware the medication you are taking and the effects it may have on your body. Be aware of any substances you are allergic to, and avoid using medications which have them. If you develop mumps or herpes, get the proper treatments early so that these conditions do not lead to SJS. It is also important for doctors to thoroughly check the medical records of their patients to make sure they are not allergic to certain types of drugs.