Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin condition that many people have never heard of. SJS affects the skin and mucous membrane and carries the potential to cause a patient to lose up to 10 percent of the outer layer of skin. In many cases, SJS is caused by a negative reaction to a medicine you’ve been taking. Some of the most common medications linked to SJS are antibiotics, NSAIDs, over-the-counter pain medications, and anti-seizure medicines. One of the most troubling aspects surrounding SJS is that symptoms may not show up for anywhere from one week to two months after you have started taking the medication. It is important to note that prescription drugs aren’t the only thing that can cause SJS. SJS may also be caused by infection, vaccinations, or certain diseases that affect the whole body, including the organs.

Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of SJS

SJS is incredibly hard to diagnose for a handful of reasons. Many of the symptoms and signs linked to SJS are also associated with other, more common illnesses. This is why so many SJS cases go undiagnosed, which can be catastrophic for the patient. If SJS is not caught in its early stages, it can develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) which is an even more serious and life-threatening skin condition. In years past it was thought that SJS and TEN were separate conditions, but we have now learned that TEN is simply a more serious version of SJS.

With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at some of the most common signs and symptoms of SJS:

• Fever and chills up to two weeks before any skin symptoms show up
• Red sores on the skin
• Painful mouth sores that make it difficult to breathe and swallow
• Blisters on the skin, eyes, or genitals
• Skin may look as if it is sunburned once the top layer falls off

Diagnosing SJS is the most difficult part. Doctors who are familiar with SJS cases may be able to diagnose you as soon as he sees your skin, but other cases are not so easy.

The Beginning of SJS

The earliest signs of SJS are often fever and malaise, which is described as a feeling of bodily discomfort, including achy joints and overall soreness. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, which is why they are overlooked by many healthcare practitioners. When patients develop SJS as a result of a reaction to medication, these flu-like symptoms will usually arise within four to 28 days of taking the drug. It is important to be vigilant about how you are feeling and contact your doctor if you believe something is amiss. If you begin to develop a skin rash, blisters, or any of the other symptoms listed above in addition to the flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

The SJS lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger have extensive experience representing individuals who have been diagnosed with SJS. If your doctor failed to diagnose your condition early on, you may have the legal right to file a lawsuit. To learn more about pursuing a lawsuit, please contact the SJS lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today.