Steven Johnson syndrome: symptoms, causes, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is Steven-Johnson syndrome?

Steven-Johnson syndrome is a rare and serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. This condition is often a reaction when you use drugs or have an infection.

The most common symptoms that appear in someone with Steven-Johnson disease are flu-like symptoms with a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters.

The top layer of the blister will then die and peel off. Steven-Johnson disease is a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization.

How common is Steven-Johnson syndrome?

Steven-Johnson syndrome has occurred worldwide in all races, although it is more common in white people. This condition is much more common in women than men.

Interestingly, this disease is not limited to humans. Several cases of Steven Johnson's disease have occurred in animals, such as dogs, cats and monkeys.

However, Steven-Johnson syndrome can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Steven-Johnson syndrome?

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Steven-Johnson disease are:

• Swollen face
• Swollen tongue
• Rash
• Pain in the skin
• Red or purple skin rash that spreads over a few hours or days
• Blisters on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals
• Peeling skin

If you have Steven-Johnson disease, a few days before the rash appears, you may experience several symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Inflammation of the mouth and throat
• Limp
• Cough
• Stinging eyes

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop the worsening of Steven-Johnson syndrome and prevent other medical emergencies. For that, talk to your doctor immediately to prevent this serious condition.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes Steven-Johnson syndrome?

Steven-Johnson disease is a rare and unexpected condition. Doctors may not be able to identify the exact cause, but usually the condition is triggered by drugs or an infection. Reactions to medications can occur as soon as you take them or up to two weeks after you stop.

There are two main reasons someone gets Steven-Johnson disease, namely:

Medicines and therapy

Medications that can cause Steven-Johnson syndrome include:

• Gout medications, such as allopurinol
• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• Medicines to fight infection, such as penicillin
• Medicines for seizures or mental disorders (anticonvulsants and antipsychotics)
• Radiation therapy

Infection

Infections that can cause Steven-Johnson disease include:

• Herpes (herpes simplex or shingles)
• Pneumonia
• HIV
• Hepatitis

Triggers

What puts me more at risk for Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

There are many triggering factors that put you at risk for Stevens-Johnson disease, including:

• Viral infection. Your risk of Steven Johnson syndrome can increase if you have an infection caused by a virus, such as herpes, viral pneumonia, HIV or hepatitis.
• Weakened immune system. If your immune system is weakened, you may be at risk of developing Steven Johnson syndrome. The immune system can be affected by organ transplants, HIV / AIDS, and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
• History of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If you have had Steven Johnson's disease as a result of taking certain medications, you are very likely to experience this condition again.
• Family history of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If a member of your family has had Steven-Johnson's disease or a related condition called toxic epidermal necrolysis, You may be more susceptible to Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is Steven-Johnson syndrome diagnosed?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, various tests and procedures used to diagnose Steven-Johnson disease are:

• Physical examination. Doctors often identify Steven-Johnson disease based on your medical history and physical examination.
• Skin biopsy. To make a diagnosis, and find other causes, your doctor may take a sample of your skin for examination in a laboratory.
• Culture. Skin or oral cultures of the affected area may be taken to find the cause of infection.
• Imaging test. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia.
• Blood test. This examination is to determine possible infection and its cause.

How to treat Steven-Johnson syndrome?

There are several options that doctors may recommend for treatment of Steven-Johnson syndrome, including:

Stopping unnecessary drugs

The main step in treating Stevens-Johnson syndrome is stopping the use of drugs that are likely to cause this condition.

Supporting care

Supportive care that you may receive while in hospital includes:

• Fluid and nutrition replacement. Changing fluids is an important part of your treatment. You may receive fluids and nutrients through a tube that is threaded through the nose directly into the stomach.
• Injury cure. Cold and wet compresses help soothe blisters while healing.
• Eye care. See an eye specialist to see if this syndrome involves the eye area.

Treatment

Medicines commonly used for the treatment of Steven-Johnson syndrome include:

• Pain medication to reduce discomfort
• Medicines to relieve itching (antihistamines)
• Antibiotics to control infection, if needed
• Medicines to reduce skin inflammation (topical steroids)

Prevention

What can I do at home to avoid or treat Steven-Johnson syndrome?

Some tips you can do at home to prevent or treat Steven Johnson syndrome include:

• Know the cause of the reaction. If the condition is caused by medication, learn the name of the drug and related drugs. Take notes and pay attention every time you have to take medicine.
• Tell the doctorr. Tell any medical team working with you that you have a history of Steven-Johnson syndrome. If the reaction is caused by a drug, tell them before you get a prescription.
• Wear an informational bracelet or necklace. You can wear a bracelet or necklace with information about your health. Always wear that.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.