Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but very serious skin condition that can turn deadly if left untreated. While most people have likely never heard of SJS, those who have heard of it know just how severe this condition is. People who have been diagnosed with SJS often report feeling as if their skin is “burning from the inside out” or “melting off.”

In the early stages of the condition, you may experience flu-like symptoms that are eventually accompanied by a serious skin rash and blisters. Mucous membranes throughout the body, including the eyes, genitals, and mouth, can also be affected. In most cases, patients with SJS are admitted to burn units in order to receive the appropriate treatment.

What Causes SJS?

SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are actually the same disease but in varying degrees. If SJS is left untreated, it may turn into TEN. Unfortunately, SJS is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, resulting in long-term side effects and death in some cases. Many individuals who have been diagnosed with SJS file a medical malpractice lawsuit because they were not made aware of the risk that comes with many common over-the-counter medications.

Some of the known triggers of SJS include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Sulfonamides and penicillins
• Anticonvulsants

In addition to the above medications, the following infections may also result in SJS:

• Herpes
• Influenza
• HIV
• Diphtheria
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis

Why You Should Be Careful With Ibuprofen

Tragically, children are often the ones who develop SJS. The skin condition has been linked to children’s ibuprofen and Motrin, both of which fail to properly warn parents of the potential dangers. Some of the lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of children’s ibuprofen indicate that the biggest problem is the lack of adequate warning.

It is important that your child stops taking the medication immediately, should the following symptoms be present:

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting)
• Inflammation of the mucous membranes
• A painful red or purplish rash
• Blisters
• Open sores
• Shedding of the top layer of skin

If your child developed SJS after taking ibuprofen or another medication, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger.

What Are the Complications of SJS?

It is imperative that SJS is treated immediately. If not, it may turn into TEN, which has a much higher death rate. Some of the complications of SJS include:

• Cellulitis (a secondary skin infection)
• Sepsis
• Vision and eye complications
• Internal organ damage
• Permanent skin damage
• Deformity

To learn more about your rights following an SJS diagnosis, please contact the McKinney Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today.