Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin condition that arises as a reaction to a medication or an infection. Drugs that have been linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include NSAIDS , Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and sulfa antibiotics. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a disorder that causes painful blisters and lesions on the skin and mucous membranes and can cause severe eye problems. The most common cause of SJS is an adverse allergic drug reaction. SJS may also be caused by cocaine usage. In some cases, the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, and in many cases there is no known cause for the onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Almost any drug can result in SJS.
It is more common in children and younger adults. The male-to-female ratio is 2:1. These skin diseases can cause massive pain, suffering and anxiety. Other sign and symptoms of stevens-johnson syndrome include facial swelling ,tongue swelling , hives , skin pain , a red or purple skin rash that spreads, blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose and eyes and shedding (sloughing) of your skin. Some factors, however, may increase your risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome such as, existing medical conditions, chronic inflammatory disease increase your risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Coxsackievirus, echovirus, and most commonly, herpes simplex viruses as well as mycoplasma have precipitated the syndrome.
Vaccines, such as those for tuberculosis and polio, have also been implicated. Treatment of Stevens-johnson Syndrome may include pain medication to reduce discomfort , immunoglobulin intravenous (IGIV) to halt the process of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Antibiotics to control infection, when needed. Systemic corticosteroids may aggravate these condition. Fluid replacement is often required, and meticulous oral hygiene is necessary to prevent superinfection. Oral and topical corticosteroids are often used. Many drug, such as sulfa drugs, penicillin, or an anticonvulsants, especially phenytoin, should be discontinued. Antihistamines are drugs used against the immune system, usually to treat a case where the immune system is over-reacting.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treatment and Prevntion Tips
1. Fluid replacement is often required.
2. Meticulous oral hygiene is necessary to prevent superinfection.
3. Oral and topical corticosteroids are often used.
4. Skilled nursing care, pain killers, physiotherapy and wound dressings.
5. Antihistamines are drugs used against the immune system.
6. Supportive measures include the use of topical pain anesthetics and antiseptics.
7. Use of other agents includes Ciclosporin and Intravenous immunoglobulin.
Juliet Cohen
Author Bio
Juliet Cohen writes articles for Women Health. She also writes articles for Early Pregnancy and Pregnancy Calendar.
