What causes Stevens-Johnson syndrome symptoms?
What causes Stevens-Johnson syndrome symptoms?
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.
What drug causes Stevens-Johnson syndrome?
Medications most likely to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome include: Antibacterial sulfa drugs. Anti-epileptic drugs, including phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), lamotrigine (Lamictal®), and phenobarbital (Luminal®). Allopurinol (Aloprim®, Zyloprim®), a drug used to treat gout and kidney stones.
How is SJ treated?
Medications used in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:
- Pain medication to reduce discomfort.
- Medication to reduce inflammation of the eyes and mucous membranes (topical steroids).
- Antibiotics to control infection, when needed.
Is Steven Johnson syndrome contagious?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a hypersensitivity reaction. This means the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation, skin rashes and other symptoms, but it’s not contagious.
How long does it take to heal from Steven Johnson Syndrome?
Recovering from SJS Even after the reaction stops, it can take weeks or months to recover, and fatigue after leaving the hospital may last for weeks. People who survive SJS or TEN may have long lasting complications. These include dry, discolored skin, hair loss, excessive sweating and loss of fingernails and toenails.
Can antibiotics cause Steven Johnson Syndrome?
Antibiotics are the most common cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, followed by analgesics, cough and cold medication, NSAIDs, psycho-epileptics, and antigout drugs. Of antibiotics, penicillins and sulfa drugs are prominent culprits; ciprofloxacin has also been reported.
How long does it take to recover from Steven Johnson syndrome?
How quickly does Stevens-Johnson syndrome start?
The first symptoms of SJS/TEN often include fever and flu-like symptoms (such as general ill feeling, body aches, and cough). Within about 1 to 3 days, a red or purplish rash forms, and then the skin begins to blister and peel, leading to “raw” areas of skin that are painful.
