Understanding Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Introduction

What if a normal result suddenly escalated in a life -threatening state? That is exactly what can happen during the Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). A severe skin condition, SJS has confused many with its sudden start and severe symptoms. But what is it? What are the symptoms and causes? How can it be treated and are there any long-term consequences? Let’s explore these questions to learn more about this complex condition.

Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment and Complications:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin disease that can affect anyone. This article explores its causes, symptoms, treatment strategies, and self-care tips with a empathetic approach to help you better understand this condition.

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

SJS or Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a critical condition that is characterized by rashes, blisters and skin peeling. It also influences the mucous membranes in your eyes, mouth and genitalia. It is often considered in addition to toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), another severe skin conditions. Although both are life -threatening conditions, SJS is less severe than TEN. The differentiation between these two conditions lies primarily in the extent of the body surface affected by skin peeling. In SJS, skin peeling might affect less than 10% of the entire body while in TEN it impacts more than 30% of the body.

Are there other names for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

Yes, SJS is also known as Lyell syndrome or Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. When associated with a specific cause, such as a drug reaction or infection, it may be called drug-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or mycoplasma-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Who gets Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

SJS can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, this condition is often observed in children, adults and people who are under the age of 30. Studies have shown that women have a higher incidence of SJS compared to men. In children, the most likely cause of SJS is an infection such as pneumonia, while in adults, medications and are the main culprits.

What are the risk factors for developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

The onset of Stevens Johnson's syndrome generally includes a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors. A specific antigen of human leukocytes (HLAs) can increase the risk of developing these disorders. Other risk factors include a history of bone marrow transplantation, systemic lupus erythematosus, HIV infection, other chronic joint and connective tissue diseases, cancer, and a weakened immune system.

What are the symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

People suffering from SJS might experience symptoms like:

• Skin Pain
• Fever
• Body Aches
• Red Rash or red blotches on your skin
• Cough
• Blisters and Sores on the skin and on mucous membranes
• Peeling skin
• Painful urination

These symptoms may appear about 1-3 weeks after exposure to a trigger, such as starting a new medication.

What causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

SJS can occur as a result of an allergic reaction to certain medications or infections such as mycoplasma pneumonia, herpes and hepatitis A. It can also be triggered by certain vaccinations or conditions such as graft-versus-host disease.

What drugs are most likely to cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

The Medications which are most likely to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are:

• antibacterial Sulfa drugs
• Antiepileptic drugs, such as phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), clamotrigine (Lamictal®), phenobarbital (Luminal®)
• Allopurinol (Aloprim®, Zyloprim®) medication for the treatment of gout and kidney stones
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including piroxicam (Feldene®), nevirapine (Viramune®), and diclofenac (Cambia®, Flector®)
• Antibiotics

Are there other factors that increase the risk of someone developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

In addition to medications and infections, other risk factors include bone marrow transplantation, systemic lupus erythematosus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other chronic joint and connective tissue diseases, cancer, a weakened immune system, family history of SJS, and genetic mutations. . A gene specific for leukocyte antigen-B.

How is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) diagnosed?

SJS diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination including the skin and mucous membranes. The doctor assesses the speed and extent of skin involvement and the level of pain. Further confirmation may be through a skin biopsy.

How is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome treated?

Treatment strategies for SJS vary according to the severity and cause. In most cases, it begins with discontinuing the medication that caused the reaction. Other treatments may include intravenous fluids to replace electrolytes, non-adhesive dressings on affected skin areas, high-calorie food to promote healing, antibiotics to prevent infection, pain relief medications, and hospitalisation. In severe cases involving eye complications (Stevens Johnson syndrome eye), specialist teams from dermatology and ophthalmology may be involved in care.

What are the complications of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

The most severe complication of SJS is death, which occurs in about 10% of cases of SJS and about 50% of TEN. Other complications could include pneumonia, sepsis (massive bacterial infections), shock, multiple organ failure.

Can Stevens-Johnson Syndrome be prevented?

Prevention can be challenging as SJS is even triggered by medications, and it’s impossible to predict an adverse drug reaction. However, if a specific medication has been identified as the cause, it is advisable to avoid that drug or related ones in the future.

Conclusion

SJS is a serious skin condition requiring prompt medical attention. While this information outlines the potential symptoms and risk factors, remember that each person's experience can be different. Understanding Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be overwhelming, but knowledge equips us to manage it better. While it's a severe condition, medical advancements provide hope for effective treatment. Remember, early detection and treatment is key. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have SJS, consult with a healthcare provider immediately.

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