Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (STEE-vuhns JON-suhn SIN-drohm) is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It's usually a reaction to a medication or an infection.
Etymology
The syndrome is named after two American pediatricians, Albert Mason Stevens and Frank Chambliss Johnson, who described the condition in a report in 1922.
Symptoms
Stevens-Johnson syndrome often begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of the skin to die and shed.
Causes
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is typically caused by a hypersensitive reaction to a medication or an infection. Common medications that can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome include anti-gout medications, pain relievers, and medications used to treat seizures and mental illness.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on eliminating the underlying cause, controlling symptoms and minimizing complications as the skin regenerates. This typically requires hospitalization, often in an intensive care unit or a burn unit.
Related Terms
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis: A severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- Erythema multiforme: A skin condition considered to be a less severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Stevens-Johnson syndrome
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