Once a diagnosis of Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) has been made, the doctor has the responsibility to make sure the proper steps are taken. However, before the doctor sees you and diagnosis you, there are things you may do as well. Suspecting that you may have SJS, you should start by stopping the offending agent. On the Wormington & Bollinger SJS website we have listed drugs associated with SJS, and if you are taking any of them, stop right away. Also, simultaneously you should call 911 and make sure an ambulance comes to your location as well. SJS is a life-threatening syndrome. Many people may hesitate to call for help or to go to the hospital, but do not make that mistake. The faster you can get help, the better it will be for your prognosis.

If you have an understanding of what is happening and are about to go to the hospital or after you have called for help, there are a couple of things you should do. The best thing to do first is to gather all the medication you have been taking within the last three weeks, including any over the counter or prescription medications. With this information, the doctor in the emergency room that sees you will have an easier time understanding which of your medications caused your reaction and also help rule out any other disease or syndromes. Another thing you can do to help the medical staff is bringing a family member or a close friend with you to the hospital. It helps, in any emergency situation, when the medical team has someone to speak to and ask questions in the event you are unable to answer.

A few questions your doctor may ask you when you arrive in the emergency department (ED/ER) include:

1. How long have you been experiencing the rash or skin sloughing, if present?
2. Is it painful?
3. Where did it start?
4. When did it start?
5. Have you had a flu-like illness recently?
6. What other medical conditions do you have?
7. What medications have you taken in the last three weeks?
8. Have you been educated on the side effects of your medication?
9. Have you ever experienced this condition before?
10. Do you have any allergies?

To establish your diagnosis, your doctor will do a thorough physical exam and also perform a skin test to confirm. While you are hospitalized or once you have been diagnosed with SJS, it is a good idea to ask your doctor some questions about your condition as well, including:

1. What caused my condition?
2. How do I keep from having this reaction again?
3. What restrictions do I need to follow?
4. If you have other medical conditions: How do I manage them together?
5. How long will it take my skin to heal?
6. Will I or am I likely to have any permanent damage?

Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) can affect anyone at any time. If you have been affected by SJS, contact the SJS attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger today.