Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a life threatening skin condition. It is a form of toxic epidermal necrolysis. In this syndrome, cell death causes the separation of epidermis from the dermis.
It is thought to be a hypersensitivity (a set of undesirable reaction brought about by normal immune system) complex which affects skin and mucous membranes.
Causes range from taking certain medications to infections. It is usually an overreaction of the immune system to a seemingly mild infection. This leads to exhibition of blisters and peeling of the skin.
What begins as symptoms for infection invigorates into red painful rash. The top affected layer of the skin then dies and sheds away.
Prompt treatment is integral in preventing organs from attaining any lasting damage. Treatment focuses on culminating the underlying cause, relieving symptoms and minimizing complications.

Causes Of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome arises due to the hyperactivity of the immune system.

Possible causes, which may trigger the immune system to overreact include:

•     Medications
  Vancomycin
  Allopurinol
  Valproate
  Levofloxacin
  Diclofenac
  Etravirine
  Isotretinoin
  Fluconazole
  Valdecoxib
  Sitagliptin
  Oseltamivir
  Penicillins
  Barbiturate
  Sulfonamides
  Phenytoin
  Azithromycin
  Oxcarbazepine
  Zonisamide
  Modafinil
  Lamotrigine
  Nevirapine
  Pyrimethamine
  Ibuprofen
  Ethosuximide
  Carbamazepine
  Bupropion
  Telaprevir
  Nystatin
  Radiation therapy
•     Infections
  Upper respiratory infections
  Otitis media
  Pharyngitis
  Epstein-Barr virus
  Cytomegalovirus infections.
  Diphtheria
  Brucellosis
  lymphogranuloma venereum
  Mycobacteria
  Tularemia
  Typhoid
  Herpes
  HIV
  Hepatitis
  Pneumonia

Symptoms Of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome:

The following symptoms may be exhibited by affected individual:

•     Facial swelling
•     Tongue swelling
•     Hives
•     Skin pain
•     A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days
•     Blisters on skin and the mucous membranes of mouth, nose, Eyes and genitals
•     Shedding of skin
•     Fever
•     Sore mouth and throat
•     Fatigue
•     Cough
•     Burning eyes

Diagnosis Of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be diagnosed via:

•     Medical history
•     Physical exam
•     Skin test

Treatment Of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome:

The following treatment options are available:

•     Medications
  To control infections
  To relieve itching and painful rash
  To reduce discomfort
•     Supportive care
  Eye care
  Fluid replacement, since skin loss results in loss of fluids]Wound care, for blisters

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By : Natural Health News