Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening skin disorder that is linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Both SJS and TEN affect the mucous membranes and skin, resulting in burn-like symptoms and raw, open sores. The rare skin conditions are often categorized as severe cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, usually to common drugs like antiepileptics, antibiotics, and over-the-counter pain meds. SJS can develop for no rhyme or reason, but the underlying cause is often an allergic reaction to a particular medication, underlying infections, or even some cancers. Some of the first symptoms that may indicate SJS include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Inflammation of the mucous membranes
• Painful red or purple blisters that spread
• The top layer of skin begins to shed

Anyone who is showing signs of SJS should be hospitalized immediately. If the condition is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, it may worsen and turn into TEN. A patient’s best chance of recovery is to undergo focused treatment where all symptoms are controlled. Complications are often associated with both SJS and TEN, which is why emergency medical attention is imperative. Depending on the severity of the condition, recovery from SJS and TEN can take as long as several weeks or months.

Three Facts About TEN

In recent years we have learned more about both SJS and TEN. For today’s purposes, we are going to look at three facts about TEN and how they may impact you:

• TEN is a more severe version of SJS – It was once thought that SJS and TEN were separate conditions, but we now know that TEN is simply a more severe version of SJS. In patients with SJS, skin detachment is typically less than 10 percent of the body surface area (BSA). With TEN, most patients experience skin detachment on 30 percent or more of the BSA.
• TEN is usually caused by a severe reaction to a specific drug – The more we know about TEN, the better chance we have of treating it. TEN is now considered a rare “delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction”, which is most often linked to a specific drug. Many patients will not show any signs or symptoms for upwards of one to three weeks after taking the drug. Some of the medications that may cause TEN include:
  • Antibiotics
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Sulfonamides and penicillins
  • Antiretroviral drugs
  • Antiepileptic drugs
• Treatment requires around the clock care and determining the causative medication – In order to provide the patient with adequate care and treatment for TEN, the most important step is to determine what medication caused the reaction. Patients will also need to undergo supportive care, most likely in a burn unit in order to properly monitor and treat the sores.

Both SJS and TEN are dangerous, life-threatening conditions that are often caused by an allergic reaction to a medication. If you have developed either and your doctor misdiagnosed you, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger. We have represented countless clients in cases similar to yours and are prepared to fight for your rights today.