The world is full of countless conditions and diseases that the general public is well aware of. From cancer to diabetes, there are a host of diseases that receive recognition regularly. However, some lesser-known diseases can be just as dangerous and life-threatening that warrant the same level of attention as others. One such disease happens to be Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which was first discovered in 1922.

SJS is a rare and serious skin condition that attacks the skin and mucous membranes of the body. Most people that experience this condition often report widespread skin pain, lesions, and even a feeling of burning from the inside out. SJS is extremely painful and has a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. While plenty of questions still surround SJS, it is often the result of an allergic reaction to certain medications. However, certain infections, such as pneumonia and HIV, can also lead to SJS. Regardless of the cause, you must always seek treatment the moment you discover symptoms of SJS. If not, it may turn into a more deadly condition.

While not much is known about Steven-Johnson Syndrome, many people have asked how, if possible, can you protect yourself from it. The answer is not as straightforward as it would be for other diseases and conditions. Since not much about it is known, it is hard to diagnose and treat. SJS is misdiagnosed and missed by many doctors. When this occurs, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, due to the complexity of this disease and these cases, you should always employ the assistance of experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, like those at Wormington & Bollinger.

SJS Facts

As we stated earlier, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare and serious skin disorder, affecting your skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and/or genitals. It typically begins with flu-like symptoms then quickly leads to painful rashes that spread across your body. Your skin will die, peel off, and heal if necessary treatment is received.

Because SJS begins with flu-like symptoms, it becomes difficult for medical professionals to make an accurate diagnosis and often leads to misdiagnosis all together. Once a misdiagnosis is made, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, which only makes matters worse, as some medications cause SJS themselves. As the disease progresses, many patients develop a skin rash accompanied by blisters and ulcers on the mucous membranes. However, if you don’t seek treatment, it can swiftly turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

What is TEN?

Initially, SJS and TEN, which is occasionally referred to as Lyell’s Syndrome, were thought to be two separate diseases. However, as healthcare professionals have learned more about both, they are now recognized as being part of the same disease spectrum. SJS is less severe, affecting less than 10% of the body, while TEN is more severe, affecting more than 30% of your skin. If you do not seek treatment, TEN can become life-threatening.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of SJS, and as it progresses TEN, are:

• Fever
• Skin pain
• Reddish/purplish rash that spreads across the skin
• Blisters or sores on the mucous membranes
• Skin shedding
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Burning sensation
• Burning eyes
• Swelling eyes

Once you notice these symptoms, seek treatment immediately. Roughly 10% of SJS cases prove to be fatal, while up to 50% of cases of TEN are fatal.

Causes

Many things can lead to the development of SJS, with allergic reactions to certain medications being the most common. Some of these medications are:

• Penicillins and sulfonamides that treat infections
• Anti-gout medications
• Anticonvulsants
• Lamictal
• Sedatives
• Antiepileptic drugs
• Antiretroviral drugs
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Other than medications, some infections can lead to SJS, as well, including:

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

Treatment

Since many healthcare providers consider Stevens-Johnson Syndrome a dermatological emergency, patients stay in burn units in hospitals and are treated as burn victims. Treatments they will go through include:

• Fluids
• Antibiotics
• IV pain medication
• Local analgesics to treat mouth ulcers
• Removal of dead skin to encourage healing
• Introduction of steroid hormones to reduce inflammation and support your immune system

Prevention

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a serious condition. While it is rare, when it does occur, it leads to great pain and suffering. Understandably, people want to learn the best ways to prevent SJS from occurring. Unfortunately, as we have stated, there is still much about SJS that healthcare experts don’t know about, which makes it difficult to create a way to prevent it. However, we do know certain existing conditions that can increase your risk of developing SJS:

• Compromised immune system or an immune disorder
• Presence of a disease that compromises your immune system, such as HIV or Lupus
• The HLA-B*1502 gene
• Viral infections
• A family history of SJS

You must always be aware of any of the above conditions to help you be better prepared in case you do develop SJS. Due to the complex nature of the condition and how little is known about it, it is difficult to prevent it. Ways that can help include:

• Genetic Testing: Before taking certain drugs, you should consider getting genetic testing. Those of Asian and South Asian descent are more likely to possess the HLA-B*1502 gene, so the FDA suggests genetic testing before taking certain medications.
• Avoid Medications: If you or a family member has had SJS before, and it was the result of a reaction to a medication, avoid that medication and any others like it. While this does not stop the initial development of the disease, it will prevent another recurrence.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a serious condition that leaves patients needing several weeks to months to fully recover. While the fatality rate is low, it can drastically increase if you don’t receive treatment quickly. If you or a loved one has been afflicted by SJS, contact the Stevens-Johnson attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger to discuss your options.