Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin condition that can develop as the result of an allergic reaction to a medication or, in some cases, an infection. Although this condition only affects an estimated 500 people each year, if left untreated, it can be deadly. SJS is a life-threatening reaction that most people are unfamiliar with. However, we have seen it make headlines recently, such as this story involving a Hollywood teenager whose skin “melted off” thanks to SJS. When it comes to SJS, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential.  Many healthcare specialists overlook or misdiagnose SJS because it is such a rare condition. When this happens, it could put the patient in grave danger.

If you are diagnosed with SJS, and you believe your doctor or healthcare provider made an error or was negligent in your care, contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases and are prepared to do the same for you. We understand how stressful and daunting SJS can be and are here to advise you in any way we can. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be able to take legal action and file a lawsuit. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your medical malpractice suit.

Today’s blog is going to look at the timeline of SJS, from diagnosis to recovery. Please keep in mind that every patient is different. Our goal is to educate you about what to expect with SJS. We want to help you understand how the disease progresses and what you can do to stop it. If you have any questions about this or would like to learn more, please contact Wormington & Bollinger today.

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Before we go over the timeline of the condition, let’s talk about what SJS really is. As mentioned, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a relatively rare skin condition. Often caused by an allergic reaction to over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications, SJS affects the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body. The severity of the condition will depend on the individual and how severe of a case it is. In many cases, the patient’s skin will start to blister and eventually peel off in sheets. This is one of the most telling signs that SJS is present.

What Are the Signs of SJS?

In addition to blistering skin that may peel off in sheets, the following are early signs of SJS:

• Large red or purple sores
• Painful mouth sores that make it difficult to breathe or swallow
• Blisters all over the body, namely on the mucous membranes of the skin, eyes, or genitals
• Skin that looks sunburnt on the top layer
• Flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, body aches, and a cough
• Widespread red rash
• Drooling
• Eyes sealed shut from swelling and blisters

If you notice any of the above, seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you diagnose SJS, the better.

What drugs are linked to SJS?

Infections can cause SJS, but the most common cause is an allergic reaction to a drug or medication. The following are some of the types of medications linked to SJS:

• Penicillin, amoxicillin, and other antibiotics
• Sulfa drugs
• Acne medications, including Accutane and Tetracycline
• Anti-gout medications
• Anti-seizure medications
• Herbal supplements containing Ginseng
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Specific drugs include:

• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Celebrex
• Clinoril
• Dilantin
• Cerebyx
• Lamictal
• Motrin
• Vioxx
• Zithromax

If you’ve taken any of the above and have noticed any of the common SJS symptoms listed above, contact your doctor right away. 

How SJS Develops 

Now that we have a better understanding of what SJS is, and some of the drugs most commonly linked to it, let’s go over the timeline of how the condition develops. One of the main points we want to make is that SJS can take anywhere from one week to two months after you take the medication to develop. This can make it very difficult to diagnose and pinpoint the root cause. Several different tests can help diagnose SJS in its early stages, including:

• A physical examination that assesses the skin and mucous membranes that have been affected
• Skin biopsy
• Skin or oral culture
• Imaging tests
• Blood tests

All of these tests aim to help your doctor understand your condition and what may be causing it. The skin culture and blood tests, specifically, can confirm an infection, which is another common cause of SJS.

Timeline

Here is a general timeline of how the disease develops and progresses:

• You notice flu-like symptoms, a red rash, or blisters anywhere from one week to two months after taking a medication
• Your doctor performs a physical examination
• Your doctor orders test for the suspected diagnosis of SJS
  • It may take several days or up to a week for the test results to come in, depending on the person and the type of tests ordered
• Once diagnosed, treatment will depend on the severity of the condition
  • SJS typically develops as a rash covering 10 percent of the body
  • Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe version of SJS that can impact 30 percent of the body. This condition is far more deadly than SJS.
• Patients may spend anywhere from two to four weeks in the hospital burn unit receiving treatment but could spend more than a year recovering from the condition
  • The younger and healthier the patient, the faster the recovery
• In some cases, additional complications may occur, such as:
  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis
  • Scars where the skin peeled
  • Difficulty seeing
  • Lasting infection in the gums and mouth
  • Lung problems

SJS can be deadly. If you’ve been diagnosed and believe your doctor acted negligently in regard to your care or treatment, contact a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyer at Wormington & Bollinger today. We offer free consultations and are here to answer your questions today. We understand how stressful this condition can be, primarily if those tasked with your care did not fulfill their duty. Give us a call today and let us help you.