Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin condition that usually occurs because of a severe allergic reaction to a medication or an infection. As we’ve discussed in past blog posts, one of the most challenging parts of diagnosing SJS is the fact that many of its symptoms mimic those of other illnesses, such as the common flu. Because of this, many people mistakenly think they are coming down with the flu, when they are actually in the early stages of SJS. This is a fast-moving disease that must be caught early in order to be properly diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. If you have developed SJS and your doctor or other medical professional did not diagnose it early on, you may be able to take legal action.

What Happens Next?

Shortly after a person develops flu-like symptoms, they may start to notice ulcers on the mucous membranes, usually in the mouth or lips, but they may also appear in the anal or genital areas. In the case of children, SJS often leads to conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation or swelling of the eyelid lining. In the coming days and weeks, the following symptoms may occur:

• Skin rash
• Blisters
• Skin lesions up to an inch wide
• Widespread skin pain
• Shedding of the skin several days after the blisters have formed
• Sore mouth and throat
• Fatigue
• Burning eyes

To treat SJS as efficiently as possible, it is imperative you seek immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to go to the emergency room right away. SJS can progress very quickly, leaving the patient with even more serious symptoms than at first.

SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) 

When it comes to the progression of SJS, we must, of course, discuss Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). While it was once thought that SJS and TEN were very different conditions, we now know TEN is just a more severe version of SJS. When TEN occurs, patients will usually have ulcers on the mucous membranes as well as a more severe skin rash and one-inch lesions that can appear anywhere on the skin. As the condition gets worse, the top layer of skin may separate from the middle layer (the dermis), impacting the skin’s blood supply. If left untreated, the skin may peel off in large sheets, which is not only extremely painful but life-threatening as well.

To stop the progression of SJS, seeking medical care is absolutely imperative. Patients with SJS may experience a rash on 10 percent of the body, whereas those with TEN may have more than 30 percent of their body covered in a rash. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with SJS or TEN, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. We have represented countless individuals in similar situations and are prepared to do the same for you today.