(SJS) Stevens-Johnson Syndrome & (TEN) Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis -Medical-Surgical
What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
What causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
How is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome diagnosed?
What are the symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
What is the treatment for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
Can Stevens-Johnson Syndrome be prevented?
Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome contagious?
The disease typically begins with flu-like symptoms followed by a painful, red or purple rash that spreads and blisters. The rash can also affect the mucous membranes, including the mouth, eyes, and genitals, leading to significant discomfort and potential complications such as difficulty swallowing or vision problems. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome requires immediate medical attention as it can be life-threatening. Treatment involves identifying and discontinuing the causative agent, supportive care, and sometimes hospitalization. Long-term complications may include skin scarring, vision impairment, and lung or kidney damage.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Severe skin rash
- Painful blisters on the skin and mucous membranes
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Red or purple skin discoloration
- Swelling of the face and tongue
- Burning or itchy skin
- Eye redness, itching, and discharge
- Ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, or genital region
- Difficulty swallowing or eating
- Vision problems
- Shortness of breath or cough
Beneficial Insights
All of the drugs are brand names for various medications used in different medical conditions. For example, Zovirax is an antiviral used to treat herpes infections, while Daklinza is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Addyi is a medication used to treat low sexual desire in women, and Xyzal is an antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis. These drugs belong to different therapeutic categories, so it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any of them.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Causes:
- Allergic reactions to medications, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and anticonvulsants.
- Infections, including viral infections like herpes, respiratory illnesses, and HIV.
- Autoimmune disorders that affect the immune system and lead to abnormal immune responses.
- Genetic predisposition or inherited susceptibility to the condition.
- Environmental triggers like exposure to certain toxins or chemicals.
- Underlying health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or cancer.
Diagnosing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome often involves a thorough evaluation of medical history and physical examination.
1. Medical History:
– Gathering information about the patient’s previous medical conditions, including any recent illnesses, infections, or medication usage.
– Creating HTML form elements such as checkboxes, text fields, and dropdown menus to capture relevant medical history details.
2. Physical Examination:
– Looking for physical signs and symptoms that are characteristic of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
– Documenting the observations using HTML markup, such as unordered lists or tables, to present the findings.
3. Skin Biopsy:
– Performing a skin biopsy to examine a small sample of affected skin under a microscope.
– HTML markup can be used to display images or diagrams explaining the skin biopsy procedure.
4. Blood Tests:
– Conducting blood tests to assess various parameters such as complete blood count, liver function, and kidney function.
– Presenting the blood test results in HTML tables or charts for clear understanding.
5. Patch Testing:
– Patch testing may be required to identify any potential allergens or underlying causes, especially in cases where medication-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is suspected.
– HTML markup can include interactive elements like checkboxes to select allergens tested during patch testing.
6. Consultation with Specialists:
– In complex cases, consulting with specialists like dermatologists or immunologists may be necessary.
– Providing contact information or integrating appointment booking features with HTML markup can assist patients in seeking specialist consultations.