Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, life-threatening dermatological condition, often induced by a reaction to medications or infections. It is characterized by the detachment of the top layer of skin (the epidermis) from the lower layers of the skin (the dermis) all over the body.
Pronunciation
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is pronounced as Tox-ik Ep-i-der-mal Ne-cro-ly-sis.
Etymology
The term "Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis" is derived from the Greek words "toxikon" (poison), "epidermis" (outer skin), and "necrosis" (death of cells or tissues), reflecting the condition's characteristics.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of TEN may include fever, unexplained widespread skin pain, and flu-like symptoms. Within days, the skin begins to blister and peel, leading to potentially severe complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, and multi-organ failure.
Causes
TEN is most commonly triggered by certain medications, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anticonvulsants. It can also be caused by infections such as HIV or Herpes simplex virus.
Treatment
Treatment for TEN typically involves discontinuing the medication that triggered the reaction and providing supportive care, often in an intensive care unit or a burn unit. This may include intravenous fluids, wound care, and sometimes immunoglobulins or corticosteroids.
Related Terms
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A less severe form of TEN, characterized by a similar skin reaction but affecting less than 10% of the body surface.
- Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): Another severe drug reaction, characterized by a rash, fever, and involvement of internal organs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
- Wikipedia's article - Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
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