Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin condition that many people are unfamiliar with. However, a new study has found that individuals who have suffered from SJS or its sister disease Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are at a heightened risk for a recurrence of the reaction. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), once a person suffers from either SJS or TEN, they are far more likely to suffer a recurrence. While both SJS and TEN are rare, in many cases the physician fails to diagnose the condition or the recurrence. This is extremely dangerous and can result in catastrophic injuries, or even death.

What is SJS?

SJS is an autoimmune reaction that can occur for a wide range of reasons, but most commonly due to a negative reaction to a specific drug. Many of the symptoms associated with SJS mimic those of other conditions, which is why it is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether. In the beginning, patients will experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and widespread muscle aches. While these symptoms are often associated with other diseases, when a patient has SJS the symptoms will rapidly escalate and turn into a painful rash with blisters, skin lesions, and ulcers. Because SJS is an autoimmune disorder, it can even spread to the mucous membranes and attack a patient’s eyes, genitals, and internal organs.

When SJS escalated, it can become an even more dangerous condition called TEN. Patients who have TEN will experience patches of skin sloughing off, resulting in burn-like wounds. Many SJS and TEN patients will be admitted to burn units because of the wounds and the way the condition affects the skin.

Taking Precautions Against Recurrence of SJS

As mentioned, nearly all cases of SJS are a result of a person taking a specific over-the-counter medication. It is nearly impossible to determine who will get SJS as a result of taking certain drugs. Some of the drugs linked to SJS include antibiotics, anticonvulsants, NSAIDs, and even very common medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

If you have been diagnosed with SJS in the past and survived, it is very important you take precaution against recurrence of the disease. If possible, pinpoint what triggered the reaction and work to avoid that medication and any other in the same class. Unfortunately, a recurrence of SJS is typically much more severe than the first episode and can even be fatal. Individuals who have suffered through and survived SJS should take the following into consideration:

• Know what caused your reaction
• Inform your doctor or healthcare provider that you have a history of SJS
• Wear a medical bracelet or carry a card that has information about your condition and what may have caused it

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with SJS, please contact a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney from Wormington & Bollinger. We will sit down with you and evaluate whether you have a claim or not. Please give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.