Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Lyell’s Syndrome are both severe skin reactions that often lead to severe side effects. An extended type of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Lyell’s Syndrome is more serious than SJS in that it usually affects more than 30 percent of the body’s surface area. Generally, SJS and TEN are caused by an allergic reaction to a specific medication. However, in some cases, the condition may develop as a result of a virus or infection.

One of the most challenging aspects of SJS is that it’s initial symptoms mimic those of other common conditions, such as the flu. If left untreated or misdiagnosed, SJS can turn into TEN or Lyell’s Syndrome, which is much more difficult to recover from. This is why it is so important that you seek medical attention when you first notice the symptoms discussed below. SJS is not something to ignore, hoping it will go away on its own. It is a deadly skin disease that can seemingly come out of nowhere.

As Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, we understand how devastating this condition can be for both the victim and their loved ones. This is why our lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals who have been diagnosed with SJS or TEN determine if legal action is the right decision. If your doctor failed to diagnose your condition, or if you developed SJS after taking prescribed medication, and you were not informed about the potentially dangerous side effects, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit. These types of cases can be complicated, and our lawyers are here to help. 

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Before we look at Lyell’s Syndrome and how it differs from SJS, let’s briefly go over Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Many people have never heard of SJS, but if you have been impacted by this deadly condition, you understand it all too well. SJS is a rare condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes. In many cases, it begins with flu-like symptoms that eventually turn into a painful red or purplish rash. As the disease progresses, the skin will shed.

You must understand just how dangerous SJS is. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If a patient is not treated right away, hospitalization may be necessary. Often, SJS and TEN are treated in burn units, and the recovery can take weeks or even months. This is because the patient’s skin is burning from the inside out, requiring 24-hour care in an intensive care unit that specializes in treating the skin. 

What are the most common symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Some of the most common symptoms associated with SJS include:

• Fever
• Widespread skin pain
• A reddish or purplish rash that spreads
• Blisters or sores on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals
• Shedding of the skin
• Sore mouth and throat
• Extreme fatigue
• Cough
• Burning eyes
• Peeling skin
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Drooling
• Painful urination
• Eyes sealed shut from blisters and swelling

SJS can turn severe very quickly. An estimated 5 to 15 percent of all SJS patients die as a result of the condition.

drugs That are associated with SJS?

As mentioned earlier, SJS is often the result of an allergic reaction to a specific drug or medication. The drugs that are most likely to cause SJS include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Antibiotics and other medications that fight infections
• Antibacterial sulfa drugs
• Antigout medications
• Pain relievers, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium
• Antiseizure medications
• Anticonvulsants and antipsychotics

What infections can lead to SJS?

Although SJS usually develops following a negative reaction to a medication, there are also a handful of infections that can cause the skin condition:

• Herpes
• Pneumonia
• HIV
• Hepatitis A 

What is Lyell’s Syndrome? 

Lyell’s Syndrome, or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), is an extremely deadly disease that affects the mucous membranes. Albeit rare, TEN can be triggered by drug allergy, infection, or even a bone marrow transplant. With TEN, the skin begins to peel off in sheets, leaving raw areas of the skin exposed. As you can imagine, this is very dangerous, and these areas are vulnerable to infection.

Some of the most common symptoms of Lyell’s or TEN include:

• A painful rash that spreads very quickly
• Skin that peels without blistering
• Raw, exposed areas of the skin
• Widespread skin pain and discomfort
• High fever

How Do SJS and TEN Differ?

In the past, it was believed that SJS and TEN were different conditions, but we know now that TEN occurs as SJS progresses. This is the most important distinction between the two conditions. While they carry very similar symptoms, TEN is often fatal.

Treatment for TEN will depend on the patient and the severity of the condition, but may include the following:

• Hospitalization at a burn unit
• Ointments and bandages to protect the exposed skin and infected areas
• Isolation to ensure the infection does not spread
• Fluids via IV
• Electrolytes
• Antibiotics (if an allergic reaction to an antibiotic did not cause the condition )

What Are the Risk Factors of SJS and TEN? 

Understanding what SJS and TEN are and how they differ as well as what the most common symptoms are will help you tackle your condition head-on. It is also important that we discuss some of the factors that increase your risk of developing SJS or TEN:

• A weak immune system
• A prior history of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• A family history of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• The HLA-B*1502 gene
• An HIV infection

Both SJS and TEN are deadly conditions that no one should have to face. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with SJS, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. We are here to discuss your case with you and help you determine what your next step should be. If SJS has progressed into Lyell’s Syndrome or TEN, you must receive immediate medical attention. You may be able to file a lawsuit if your condition was misdiagnosed or missed altogether. These cases are very complicated. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation where we can discuss your options and help you receive the compensation you deserve.