Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Introduction
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious disorder that affects the skin, mucous membrane, genitals and eyes.
The mucous membrane is the soft layer of tissue that lines the digestive system from the mouth to the anus, as well as the genital tract (reproductive organs) and eyeballs.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is usually caused by an unpredictable adverse reaction to certain medications. It can also sometimes be caused by an infection.
The syndrome often begins with flu-like symptoms , followed by a red or purple rash that spreads and forms blisters. The affected skin eventually dies and peels off.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a medical emergency that requires treatment in hospital, often in Intensive care or a burns unit.
Treatment aims to identify the underlying cause, control the symptoms and prevent complications.
Erythema multiforme is a similar, but less severe, skin reaction that's usually caused by infection, particularly herpes viral infections, and a bacteriacalled mycoplasma that causes chest infections .
This topic covers:
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Prevention
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
Read about Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is a rare but serious disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes.
Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Skin pain is the most common symptom of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Flu-like symptoms are also usually present during the initial stages, and may include: feeling generally unwell a high temperatur
Causes of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
In children, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is usually triggered by a viral infection, such as mumps flu herpes-simplex virus, which causes cold sores Coxsackie virus, which causes Bornholm diseas
Risk factors
Risk factors for Stevens-Johnson syndrome may include: viral infections such as herpes, hepatitis, viral pneumonia or HIV a weakened immune system as a result of HIV or AIDS , autoimmune condi
Diagnosing Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome should be diagnosed by a dermatologist (skin specialist). A diagnosis is often based on a combination of your: symptoms physical examination medical history (including any
Treating Stevens-Johnson syndrome
If Stevens-Johnson syndrome is suspected, you or your child will be immediately referred to hospital for treatment. Without treatment, the symptoms can become very severe and be life-threatening. Sev
Complicationsof Stevens-Johnson syndrome
As Stevens-Johnson syndrome severely affects the skin and mucous membranes, it can cause a number of complications. These include: skin changes when your skin grows back it may be uneven in colour
Preventing Stevens-Johnson syndrome
If Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been caused by an adverse reaction to a medication, you'll need to avoid taking this medication and other similar medications. Other family members may also want to avo
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