Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but very serious skin condition that could lead to potentially life-threatening reactions. Both SJS and its more serious counterpart Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are typically caused by an adverse reaction to a specific medication. Unfortunately, many common over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications can cause SJS. In recent years, we have started to learn more about SJS/TEN, now understanding that these conditions could be avoided by more knowledge. One of the most common reasons SJS/TEN occurs is because of misdiagnosis and overlooked symptoms. If you have developed SJS because of a medication error or failure on the part of your physician to recognize the symptoms, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger.

Understanding SJS

 SJS and TEN are caused by an abnormal immune response to certain medications or infections. In most cases, the conditions start with flu-like symptoms that then lead to a severe rash and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. When these conditions are not treated immediately, they could result in severe scarring, loss of vision, organ failure, and death. While SJS is less severe than TEN, they are both extremely serious and require immediate medical attention.

One of the most shocking cases of SJS we’ve seen surrounded a woman whose skin “melted off” after she was prescribed the drug lamotrigine for depression in 2014. According to the report, the woman developed SJS as a reaction to the medication and a wrong dosage. With SJS, your body essentially starts to burn from the inside out, resulting in a melting sensation. This is why so many SJS and TEN patient are treated at burn units.

Symptoms of SJS

While SJS has always been considered a rare condition, recently information indicates it may be more common than we think. However, a general lack of knowledge – both on the part of the medical community and public – is one of the contributing factors to the skin condition. The majority of SJS cases affect adults, and women are twice as likely to experience SJS or TEN than men. As mentioned, SJS usually manifests with flu-like symptoms in the beginning. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may occur:

• Headache
• Fever
• Blistering skin
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Burning or itching eyes
• Fatigue
• Achy muscles
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Over time, these symptoms give way to an unbearable burning sensation on the skin, followed by red or purple lesions that can be up to an inch in size. In most cases, these lesions form on the face, torso, arms, and legs. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with SJS as the result of a medication error or missed diagnosis, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. We offer free consultations and are here to answer any questions you may have about your options or potential case today.