Steven Johnson syndrome

Skin | Dermatology | Steven Johnson syndrome (Disease)


Description

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious disorder in which your skin and mucous membranes react severely to a medication or infection. Often, Stevens-Johnson syndrome begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of your skin to die and shed.

Signs and symptoms of Stevens - Johnson include: swelling of the face; swelling of the tongue; pain of skin; hives; red rash that spreads from hours to several days; burning of the skin and mucous membranes, especially the mouth, nose and eyes; peeling skin. People with Stevens-Johnson syndrome experience some symptoms before the rash to develop: fever; sore throat; cough; eyes that sting.

Causes and Risk factors

The exact cause of Stevens - Johnson can not always be identified. Usually, the syndrome occurs due to an allergic reaction due to administration of drugs in response to an infection or illness. Administration of drugs is the most common cause of Stevens - Johnson.

The causes are infectious in nature include herpes, HIV, hepatitis, diphtheria, typhoid fever. In other cases, Stevens - Johnson may be caused by physical stimuli such as radiation or ultraviolet therapy.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The treatment be made intro intensive care unit. If the skin is regenerated, there is no need for skin grafts. Medications commonly used in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include: pain medication to reduce discomfort, antihistamines to relieve itching, antibiotics to control infection, when needed, topical steroids to reduce skin inflammation. The use of corticosteroids is uncertain, these drugs subtracting the power of the immune system and promote infection. ...