Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare yet severe skin disease that attacks the skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and genitals. More often than not, SJS is the result of an allergic reaction to medications. In fact, 95% of all SJS cases involve prescription drugs.

While SJS is a dangerous skin disease, very few people know what it is. From regular people to healthcare experts, only a small group of people have experience with this disease. After all, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome only affects a handful of individuals every year, so understandably, very few doctors have had the opportunity to diagnose or treat the condition. Unfortunately, this leads to a host of problems.

Not only do most doctors have little to no experience with this disease, but SJS shares many early symptoms with other conditions, such as the flu. Far too often, this leads to SJS misdiagnoses. When a doctor misdiagnoses this disease, it will only worsen and potentially develop into the more dangerous Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is far more life-threatening than SJS.

If your condition worsened after an SJS misdiagnosis, you might be within your right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the diagnosing doctor. Give one of the trusted and knowledgeable Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger a call today to learn what your options are.

Doctors Misdiagnosing SJS 

As we mentioned earlier, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare skin disease, affecting only a handful of individuals every single year. In most cases, doctors will have no experience diagnosing or treating SJS. Very few of them have knowledge of the disease, which only increases their chances of SJS misdiagnoses.

In the U.S., SJS only affects one to two per million people every year. As you can imagine, this low number means that very few doctors ever interact with this disease. Even if a doctor knows about SJS and how it affects the body, the initial stages of development can throw them off, causing SJS misdiagnoses.

When you first develop SJS or TEN, it often begins with flu-like symptoms. Patients often experience:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chills

However, shortly after the onset of these symptoms, the skin begins to blister and peel off, leaving painful raw and unexposed areas, which resembles severe burns. Often, once the skin starts to peel, doctors are able to diagnose the condition easier. However, that is not always the case.

Because Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is so rare, doctors might miss the disease altogether. Due to their lack of knowledge, they might not have the wherewithal to diagnose the condition accurately. When this occurs, the disease can progress and worsen into the far deadlier Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Only 10% of patients with SJS die, while nearly 50% of the patients who develop TEN lose their lives. SJS can develop into TEN quickly. So, an accurate diagnosis is all it takes to protect a patient.

Common SJS Misdiagnoses 

Unfortunately, the rarity of SJS and doctors’ unfamiliarity with the disease often means that these healthcare professionals mistake SJS for another condition entirely. According to the Canadian nonprofit Milne Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Society, doctors initially diagnose around 90% of SJS skin reactions as chickenpox or some other hand, foot, and mouth disease.

SJS/TEN give similar symptoms with a host of different conditions, many that are much less dangerous than this skin disease. Some of these conditions include:

• Bullous pemphigoid
• Bullous impetigo
• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• Cicatricial pemphigoid
• Paraneoplastic pemphigus
• Linear IgA dermatosis
• Pemphigus foliaceus
• Porphyria cutanea tarda
• Epidermolysis bullosa
• Staphylococcal scalded skin

These are only a handful of conditions that have similar symptoms as SJS. Unfortunately, doctors often mistake SJS for one of these diseases. Misdiagnoses are detrimental to a patient’s health. When a patient receives an accurate diagnosis, they can receive the appropriate care and treatment they need.

When a doctor misdiagnoses a patient, that patient receives the wrong treatment. While some of these treatments may provide minor relief, they don’t treat the problem correctly. More often than not, a misdiagnosis often leads to a patient’s condition worsening. In cases like SJS, that could lead to a patient’s untimely death.

SJS is a disease that can develop quickly. As it progresses, it affects more areas of the skin. The longer you go without appropriate treatment, the more likely you are to suffer long-term complications.

Contact Wormington & Bollinger 

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) (along with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)) is an extremely rare yet severe skin disease that attacks large areas of the skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and genitals. If left untreated, it can worsen, increasing your risk of death.

Because SJS is rare, and very few doctors have experience with this disease, they often misdiagnose SJS for a condition with similar symptoms. They end up giving you treatment for another disease entirely. In cases like this, patients are left with long-term complications that impact them for the rest of their lives.

If you or someone you love suffered an allergic reaction to a prescription drug that developed into SJS and your doctor misdiagnosed your condition, you may be able to recover damages. The team at Wormington & Bollinger specializes in these cases, and we have helped those who have experienced SJS misdiagnoses. Give us a call today to learn what your options are.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare yet deadly skin disease. It is often the result of an allergic reaction to certain medications. Very few people develop SJS in a given year, meaning hardly anyone understands the seriousness of it. Due to its rarity, many doctors misdiagnose this condition or miss it entirely. When that occurs, SJS can develop into something worse.

While experts once thought these two were separate diseases, they have since discovered that SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) exist on the same disease spectrum. Often, when SJS goes unchecked, it will quickly develop into the far more deadly TEN.

As is the case with SJS, very few people are aware of TEN. Typically, only those who develop this disease and the doctors who treat them are familiar with the severity of TEN. Due to this, this skin disorder can prove exceptionally dangerous. Often, when doctors misdiagnose your condition or miss SJS or TEN altogether, you might be within your rights to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Wormington & Bollinger have grown quite familiar with both SJS and TEN over the years. We have helped countless clients recover compensation for the damages they suffered, whether from their allergic reaction or due to their doctor misdiagnosing them. If you or someone you love suffers from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, contact our medical malpractice law firm today.

SJS vs. TEN 

To fully understand Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, you also need to understand what Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is. It is a rare skin disease, which attacks the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and genitals. While rare, you should still treat this disease with the utmost seriousness. If left unchecked, it can lead to fatal results.

Whenever you first get SJS, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. If not, it will worsen, eventually developing into TEN. An identifying characteristic of TEN is that while SJS affects roughly 10% of the skin, TEN affects more than 30%. Not only that, but it is far more deadly than SJS. Additionally, the mucous membranes of the body suffer extensive damage.

It’s crucial that you recognize the symptoms of SJS to ensure that it does not develop into TEN. Some common signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for include:

• 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

SJS can quickly develop into TEN, so you must act fast. TEN is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. While SJS only kills about 10% of those who develop this disease, TEN claims the lives of nearly 50% of patients with this condition.

The process of TEN is relatively quick. Within a few days of the onset of your symptoms, your skin begins to peel with or without blistering. These symptoms can last for several days. Recovery can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks. However, in severe cases, it can take months.

Causes

Just as SJS develops, the cause of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is an adverse reaction to certain medications. These reactions account for up to 95% of all TEN cases. Typically, you will experience these reactions within the first eight weeks of taking a drug. Then the condition quickly progresses.

Some common medications that can lead to allergic reactions that cause TEN includes:

• Anticonvulsants
• Anti-gout medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Sulfonamide antibiotics
• Antiepileptic medications
• Antiretroviral medications

These are just a handful of medications that can cause this skin disease. However, drugs are not the only cause of this skin disease. In some cases, infections can also lead to TEN. Bacteria known as Mycoplasma pneumonia, which leads to a contagious respiratory infection (also referred to as walking pneumonia), can cause a reaction that leads to TEN.

Risk Factors of TEN

This skin disease is serious and can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, there are a host of factors that can drastically increase your risk of developing TEN. While medications are often the most common cause of this disease, these other factors increase your risk:

• Age: While anyone can develop SJS or TEN, it mainly affects older adults.
• Weakened Immune Systems: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop TEN since their bodies can’t fight it off. Conditions such as cancer or HIV increase your risk.
• AIDS: To expand on the above, those living with AIDS are up to 1,000 times more likely to develop TEN.
• Genetics: The presence of the gene HLA-B*1502 increases your risk of developing TEN when taking particular drugs.
• Medical History: If you have had SJS or TEN in the past or have an immediate family member who also had this disease, you are more likely to develop it.

Treatment

To diagnose TEN, your doctor will perform a physical exam, inspecting your skin for rashes, blisters, peeling, infection, mucosal involvement, and more. They will also perform a skin biopsy (testing a sample of infected skin) and a blood test to identify any infection. They might also recommend a blood or skin culture. Typically, a physical exam is enough to diagnose TEN.

While your treatment will vary based on your age, medical history, the disease’s progression, and the parts of your body most affected, all TEN patients must be cared for in a burn unit. The skin damage of TEN is similar to that of burn victims. Patients experience blisters and skin peeling. The process is quick but leaves large raw areas that may ooze. This process is also painful.

Doctors will use ointments and bandages to prevent further skin damage and protect your raw skin from losing fluids and infection. Naturally, as you lose skin, you lose fluids and electrolytes. You will receive an IV fluid to keep you hydrated and maintain electrolyte balance. You may also receive antibiotics to fight off infections.

Long-Term Complications

Because TEN causes more damage than SJS, the long-term complications are also more extensive. You might experience permanent skin damage and scarring. Bumps, scars, and discoloration might also appear on healed skin. These issues can cause hair loss, as well as affecting how your fingernails and toenails grow.

TEN can also lead to eye problems. Due to the nature of the disease, it can cause corneal scarring, dry eye, ingrown eyelashes, and, in rare cases, blindness. Additionally, you might also experience difficulty breathing and coughing. In some instances, TEN leads to respiratory failure. Sepsis (a blood infection) can also occur in TEN patients. Since the infection enters your bloodstream, it spreads quickly and is life-threatening.

Contact Wormington & Bollinger 

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is a rare yet life-threatening skin disease. It is a much more advanced form of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, affecting more skin on the body. TEN typically develops when SJS goes untreated. Often, this is the result of a doctor misdiagnosing your condition or missing the disease altogether.

If you suffer from SJS/TEN because of a doctor’s misdiagnosis, contact Wormington & Bollinger to learn what your options are.

People are at risk of contracting a plethora of illnesses and diseases every day. While some conditions are minor, leading to mild discomfort, others are more severe, leading to life-threatening complications. To make matters worse, many of these conditions are extremely rare, with few medical professionals having any experience with them. One such condition is Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

SJS is a rare yet dangerous skin disorder that attacks a patient’s skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and/or genitals. It can cause unimaginable pain and discomfort. Because it is so rare, many doctors misdiagnose the disease or miss it entirely. When a doctor does not diagnose SJS properly, the condition will progress and worsen.

Unfortunately, when a patient does not receive the proper care they need, SJS can lead to long-term effects. These complications can reduce a person’s quality of life significantly, leaving them with disabilities or chronic pain. That is why so many patients file medical malpractice lawsuits against their doctors. With these lawsuits, patients hope to recover some damages for the injuries they sustained, including the long-term effects of SJS.

While Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can cause a host of issues in the moment, it can also lead to plenty of long-term complications. If you or someone you love fell victim to SJS due to an allergic reaction to a prescription drug or a doctor’s misdiagnose, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger and let us fight for the justice you deserve.

Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

As mentioned previously, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin disease that attacks a person’s skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes, ears, and/or genitals. Early detection and treatment are crucial for quick and effective recovery. If not, the condition will progress, eventually developing into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Healthcare experts once believed TEN was a different disease entirely, but they have since discovered that both TEN and SJS exist on the same disease spectrum. TEN is a far more deadly version of SJS. That is why receiving the appropriate diagnosis as soon as possible is so vital.

However, the early symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome are similar to those of the flu and other seasonal diseases, which makes it hard to diagnose accurately.

Some common symptoms of SJS include:

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

While SJS affects around 10% of your skin, TEN impacts almost 30%. Additionally, SJS only kills about 10% of individuals, while TEN claims the lives of 50% of those who have it. 75% of cases are the result of an allergic reaction to medications, so patients should cease taking these drugs if they suspect SJS or TEN.

As you can see, getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is crucial. If not, you may suffer from the long-term effects of SJS.

Common Long-Term Effects

Unfortunately, many patients don’t receive the treatment they need, whether because their doctor misdiagnosed them or missed the condition entirely. Whenever this condition goes untreated, it can result in significant (and often disabling) complications. In extreme cases, it can even result in death.

Even patients who survive the initial episodes of SJS or TEN can still experience these severe and chronic symptoms. Even patients that receive adequate treatment early can still suffer from the long-term effects of SJS.

Long-Term Skin Issues

Unsurprisingly, some of the most common long-term complications of SJS involve the skin. After all, the disease affects a significant portion of the skin. Even those who receive treatment early on can still fall victim to these complications, some of which include:

• Pruritus: This condition is an unpleasant sensation that gives the person the urge to constantly scratch. It can be in one area or all over your body and is defined by an acute or chronic itching sensation.
• Hyperhidrosis: This condition causes unusually excessive sweating that does not have to be related to heat or exercise. The sweat is so much it soaks through your clothes and can drip off of you, leading to social anxiety and embarrassment.
• Skin Discoloring: Due to the nature of the disease, your skin will detach from the body. When the condition begins to heal, it can leave the pigmentation in your skin discolored.
• Abnormal Skin Dryness

Long-Term Eye Issues

As we’ve mentioned before, SJS also affects the mucous membranes of the eyes. In extreme cases, this condition can impact your eyesight and even lead to blindness. Some of the long-term eye effects of SJS include:

• Corneal Xerosis: Abnormal dryness of the cornea
• Entropion: This condition occurs when one or both of your eyelids turns inwards, causing your eyelashes and skin to rub on the surface of your eye.
• Trichiasis: This condition is when your eyelashes grow inwards toward your eyes, rubbing against the surface of your eye and causing irritation.
• Symblepharon: This condition occurs when one or both eyelids stick to the eyeballs, either partially or completely.
• Light Sensitivity
• Vision Impairment or Blindness

Other Long-Term Effects

• Onychodystrophy: This condition refers to the various issues in nail morphology, which include detachment of the nail from the nail bed or fingernails that grow back abnormally.
• Alopecia: This is a condition that causes your hair to fall out, and it may never grow back.
• Lung Damage: Bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and scarring of the esophagus
• Genitourinary Abnormalities: These abnormalities can include urethral erosions, inflammation of the head of the penis in men, and narrowing of the opening of the vagina or abnormal adhesion of the labia in women.
• Dry Mouth
• Impaired Taste

Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney

As you can see, the long-term effects of SJS are significant. Many of these issues can lead to physical and psychological pain and suffering for the individual. Their overall quality of life will reduce. In extreme cases, these complications can even lead to an untimely death.

If you or someone you love suffered from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome due to an allergic reaction to a medication or a doctor’s failure to diagnose you properly, contact Wormington & Bollinger and let us fight for the justice you deserve.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) might be a rare skin disease, but it can also be incredibly devastating, affecting around 10% of the skin on your body. Unfortunately, because it is so rare, many doctors often misdiagnose the disease or miss it entirely, leading to symptoms worsening. SJS can develop into a more dangerous and even rarer condition known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Often, when a doctor misdiagnoses or misses SJS, the patient’s condition worsens. If the doctor had accurately diagnosed this disease, the patient would have been able to recover much faster. Sadly, misdiagnosis is a common occurrence, leaving people with devastating, often life-threatening, results. Additionally, certain medications cause allergic reactions that develop into SJS.

Whether you developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome after an allergic reaction to a medication, or a healthcare professional failed to diagnose or treat this disease, you might be within your right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. An SJS lawsuit will help you recover the damages you deserve. But what damages can you recover in an SJS lawsuit?

The team at Wormington & Bollinger understands how difficult these kinds of cases can be, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. That is why we are here to help you with your SJS lawsuit to ensure you recover the damages you deserve.

Filing an SJS Lawsuit

Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be complicated and confusing, especially if you have no experience with this process. When you take a medication or seek medical treatment, you expect to receive the care that will help you heal and recover. Unfortunately, for some, that is not the case. This experience leads to further injury and damage. That is almost always the case with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

When a patient does develop SJS because of an allergic reaction to a medication or a misdiagnosis, they are often within their rights to file an SJS lawsuit. However, before you file a lawsuit, there are some things you must do beforehand.

First, you need to get a proper SJS diagnosis. Once you’ve confirmed this condition, you need to find out what caused it. Often, your medical records and medication records will be able to tell if you had an allergic reaction or a doctor did not diagnose you correctly.

To move forward with your medical malpractice claim, you must prove:

• You have or had SJS
• You took a prescription drug that caused an allergic reaction that developed into SJS
• A doctor diagnosed you with another condition or missed the disease entirely
• A doctor knew you had a known allergy yet prescribed you a drug anyway

Once you can prove these things, it is time to move forward with your SJS lawsuit.

Receiving Compensation in an SJS Lawsuit 

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a dangerous rare skin disease. It attacks a person’s skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and genitals, impacting nearly 10% of the skin. If the condition progresses and develops into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), then almost 30% of the skin will be affected.

It can be life-threatening, as well. While only 10% of SJS patients lose their life to the disease, TEN kills nearly 50% of patients that have it. Often, it can leave long-term effects, as is the case with a New York woman who won $120 million in a medical malpractice case after she was left brain-damaged and permanently disabled.

As you can see, the repercussions of not receiving an accurate diagnosis can be devastating. That is why so many people file medical malpractice lawsuits after they develop and suffer from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

What Damages Can You Recover?

In virtually all cases of SJS, patients must be admitted to the hospital. They frequently receive treatment in either the ICU or burn units because the injuries are similar to those of burn victims. Unfortunately, recovery can take weeks or months, depending on the severity of the condition. That leads to mounting medical bills that put a financial burden on an already stressful period.

Fortunately, with an SJS lawsuit, you can recover damages that can help ease the burden caused by SJS. Some of the damages you can recover include:

• Medical bills (both current and future)
• Loss of income
• Loss of consortium (such as the loss of love, affection, care, or companionship for a spouse, child, or family member)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of the ability to work in the future
• Mental anguish
• Disability
• In the case of wrongful death:
  • Funeral costs
  • Loss of future earnings and benefits (healthcare, pension, etc.)
  • Loss of inheritance
  • Pain and suffering of the loss of a loved one

Who Can Be Held Liable? 

Many parties can be liable in an SJS lawsuit. Even though it might be daunting filing against these parties, especially pharmaceutical companies, you must do it to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Some drug manufacturers fail to include a warning for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome on their drug labels, so when a patient develops the condition, they may not know to look for SJS, nor will they be able to link the skin disease with a prescription. If the manufacturer was aware of the risks, they should have included them on the label. By failing to do so, they can be held liable.

Furthermore, when a doctor inaccurately diagnoses your condition or misses it entirely, they too can be held liable for the injuries you suffered. They should know a patient’s allergies and should be aware of the dangers of certain medications. Their misjudgment or negligence could be life-threatening.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can be devastating. In extreme cases, it can develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, threatening the life of a patient even further. If you or someone you know developed SJS due to an allergic reaction to a drug or a doctor failed to diagnose your condition accurately, you might have a viable medical malpractice claim. Contact Wormington & Bollinger to learn how we can help with your SJS lawsuit.

The world is full of conditions and diseases that range from mild and moderate to severe and life-threatening. Countless things can cause these illnesses, such as viruses and bacteria. However, certain medications can cause an individual to have an allergic reaction that leads to the development of certain conditions. Such is the case with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Unfortunately, the prescription drugs you turn to treat one condition can turn around and cause the development of another. Often, these new diseases are far worse than the one you were using the medication to treat in the first place.

For example, medication such as penicillin and anti-gout medications are some of the drugs responsible for causing the reaction that results in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. These simple medications for minor conditions lead to potentially life-threatening results.

To make matters worse, diagnosing SJS is not as straightforward as one would think. When the condition first emerges, it shares symptoms with other, less severe diseases. Unfortunately, this leads to misdiagnosis or missing the disorder altogether.

Many people wonder, “How is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome diagnosed?” It’s a common question, but also a crucial one. You should know the steps doctors take to diagnose this condition accurately.

If you or a loved one were the victim of SJS and a doctor misdiagnosed your condition or missed the condition entirely, you might be able to recover damages. Give Wormington & Bollinger a call today and let us fight for you.

What is SJS? 

Before we explore how Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is diagnosed, we need to take a look at the disease and what it is. SJS is a rare skin disease that attacks a person’s skin, as well as the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and/or genitals. You should always treat this disease with the highest level of seriousness. Once detected, you should seek treatment immediately.

Some common SJS symptoms include:

• Fever
• Skin pain
• Body aches
• Reddish/purplish rash that spreads across the skin
• Shedding skin
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Coughing
• Burning sensation across the skin and in the eyes
• Swelling eyes

If you do not seek treatment right away, this condition can worsen and develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

While doctors once believed TEN and SJS were two different diseases, they have since discovered that they both exist on the same disease spectrum. TEN is just a much more advanced and dangerous form of SJS.

SJS affects roughly 10% of the skin on the body, while TEN affects about 30% or more. Plus, it is far more deadly.

SJS claims the lives of 10% of the patients with the disease, while 50% of patients lose their lives to TEN. As you can see, this skin disease can be fatal if you are not careful. That starts with an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome 

In order to prevent significant long-term damage, doctors must diagnose and treat Stevens-Johnson Syndrome early. If not, the disease will progress into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, threatening the life of the patient.

It is vital that healthcare professionals, whether doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants, know what kind of medications can cause SJS. That helps them know what conditions to look for when treating a patient.

Some of the most common medications involved in cases of SJS include:

• Antibiotics
• Sulfa drugs
• Allopurinol
• Dilantin
• Depakote
• Levaquin
• Diclofenac
• Penicillin
• Sulfonamides
• Barbiturates
• Anti-seizure medications
• Anti-gout medications

If healthcare experts know and understand that these medications can cause SJS, they can better treat it.

When it comes to diagnosing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, doctors will utilize several tests and procedures, such as:

• Physical Exam: A physical exam is a simple way to look for SJS. Often, a doctor will be able to recognize the signs of the disease if your rash has progressed. They will examine how much skin is affected, how quickly a rash spread, and the level of pain you feel. Doctors will also take a look at your medical history, as well as medication history (current and stopped), to assist in their diagnosis.
• Skin or Oral Culture: Often, a doctor may take a skin or oral culture from affected areas to test for the disease.
• Skin Biopsy: To confirm the existence of the disease, a doctor may remove a sample of skin for a biopsy (a laboratory test). This test can either confirm or deny the diagnosis.
• Blood Tests: Additionally, a doctor may also take a blood test to confirm the presence of an infection, as well as look for other causes.

Complications When Diagnosing SJS

One of the main reasons why so many patients file medical malpractice lawsuits for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is because many doctors often misdiagnose them with another disease or miss the condition entirely.

SJS is a rare skin disease, affecting only one to two people out of a million every year. Naturally, this low occurrence often means that most healthcare professionals do not have experience treating this condition compared to others.

Additionally, when SJS first emerges, it shares similar symptoms with other, more common diseases, such as the flu. Patients usually experience fever, sore throats, coughing, and more before a skin rash starts to spread across their body.

Because SJS resembles other conditions early on, doctors either diagnose patients with another disease or do not recognize the problem right away, allowing SJS to progress and worsen. When a doctor fails to diagnose an illness accurately, they put their patient in harm’s way.

Far too often, doctors do not recognize Stevens-Johnson Syndrome until it is too late. By the time it is diagnosed correctly, the condition has spread and caused significant damage. These healthcare professionals must be aware of this disease, the medications that can cause it, and its symptoms. If not, the results can be devastating.

If you or someone you love developed SJS and your doctor failed to catch or diagnose it, you might be in your right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Give Wormington & Bollinger a call and let us help you through this difficult time.

The world is full of diseases that range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Many conditions are well-documented, with most healthcare experts aware of their existence. They know what to look for and how to treat them.

However, there are just as many diseases that often go unnoticed. The rarity of these conditions often leads to misdiagnosis, or doctors missing the disease altogether. As we have mentioned in the past, Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one such condition.

Experts estimate the annual occurrence of SJS is between 8.6 and 9.8 cases per million adults. The rates of combined SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), a far more severe form of SJS, are much lower, sitting at between 1.6 and 1.9 cases per million.

Due to these low case rates, most doctors will not encounter SJS during their practicing years. Unfortunately, because of this, many doctors miss this disease or misdiagnose the condition, which leads to severe, potentially life-threatening SJS complications. Without proper treatment, a patient’s condition will drastically worsen.

When either of these scenarios occurs, a patient may be in their rights to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. With the help of a trusted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney at Wormington & Bollinger, you can receive the compensation you deserve. Today, we are going to take a closer look at common SJS complications and what they mean for you.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Symptoms 

Before we go more in-depth into SJS complications, we should provide a quick refresher about what Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is and what its symptoms are.

SJS is a rare skin disease that attacks a patient’s skin and the mucous membranes of their eyes, mouth, and genitals. You should always treat this disease with the utmost seriousness to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

Some of the most common SJS symptoms include:

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

If you recognize these symptoms early, seek medical attention immediately. If not, your SJS can quickly progress and develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). While many experts once thought TEN was a separate condition to SJS, it exists on the same disease spectrum as SJS. While SJS only affects 10% of the skin, TEN impacts roughly 30% or more of your skin. It is also far more fatal.

While only 10% of SJS patients lose their life to the disease, TEN kills 50% of patients. If you do not seek treatment for SJS, it will turn into TEN and put your life at risk.

SJS Complications

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome severely impacts your skin. Because of its rarity, many doctors do not catch the disease as soon as they should. Even if they do, a patient may experience complications before, during, and after SJS treatment. Some of these complications are minor, while some can be life-threatening. It’s essential to understand these SJS complications to prepare yourself:

Dehydration:

As your condition progresses, the skin will eventually shed itself, letting itself heal. However, as the skin sheds, these areas lose fluids. Additionally, the sores around your mouth and throat make drinking fluids difficult. These two together often leads to dehydration, which makes recovery difficult.

Long-Term Skin Issues:

SJS directly impacts your skin. Unfortunately, many complications involving SJS involve issues with your skin. When your skin regrows, there may be abnormal bumps. The skin may also be discolored, not matching the surrounding skin color. While less common, patients may experience scarring once the new skin has grown back.

Patients may also experience loss of nail beds, or their fingernails and toenails might grow back irregularly.

Sepsis: 

When the bacteria from an infection site enter your bloodstream, sepsis, a blood infection, occurs. Sepsis can spread rapidly and can be life-threatening, causing shock and organ failure.

Long-Term Eye Issues:

As we have stated before, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attacks the mucous membranes of your eyes. When SJS infects the eyes, it can cause mild issues such as irritation, dry eye, and light sensitivity.

However, it can also lead to corneal ulceration, uveitis, and scarring of the eye tissue. The eyelids may fold inward or may stick to the eyeballs. Patients may experience vision loss and, in extreme cases, blindness.

Lung Problems:

When the mucous membranes along the respiratory tract are impacted, patients can develop lung problems. Lung damage, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and scarring of the esophagus are all common SJS complications of the lungs. Many of these can lead to acute respiratory failure, as well.

SJS may also lead to problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, and more.

Other Issues:

• Inflammation of the gums in the mouth
• Dry mouth
• Gum disease
• Shock
• Problems with sexual organs, such as vaginal stenosis and scarring and inflammation of the penis

Treatment for SJS 

Once you recognize symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, do not hesitate. Seek medical treatment immediately to avoid the disease developing into TEN or experiencing any of the above complications. Often, patients with SJS or TEN will receive treatment in the ICU or burn units in hospitals.

Once in the hospital, SJS treatment looks like:

• Replacement of fluids and nutrients. Dehydration is a common complication of SJS. Doctors will give you plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated and nutrients to help your skin rebuild. An IV will administer your fluids for you.
• Antibiotics. Doctors will also give you antibiotics to help fight off the infection to keep it from spreading and causing further complications.
• Pain medication. SJS is incredibly painful, so your doctor may give you pain medication, whether orally or through an IV.
• Wound care. Often, the affected area is treated like it was a burn. Hospital staff will carefully clean the area, remove dead skin gently, and dress your wounds.
• Eyecare. Doctors will clean your eyes and use specials creams and drops to keep your eyes infection free and from drying out.
• Steroids. Steroids help boost your body’s immune system to reduce inflammation.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is an incredibly rare and potentially lethal skin condition. Often, doctors think SJS’s symptoms are that of another, less dangerous condition. When this happens, your condition may worsen, develop into TEN, and lead to serious complications.

If you were the victim of misdiagnosis of SJS, you might be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger to learn how we can help.

As you go about your day, your body is under attack by foreign bodies, bacteria, and viruses that try to infect your body and make you sick. Fortunately, the human body has an army of antibodies that work to prevent these illnesses from inflicting real damage. While they are powerful, these antibodies cannot stop everything. Some diseases and conditions will develop. Many of these diseases are minor and go away after some time and treatment. However, there are many that can cause irreparable damage and even lead to death, such as cancer. Many of these dangerous conditions are not well-known, which increases their danger. One such condition is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

SJS is a deadly skin disorder that attacks the skin and mucous membranes. It is a rare disease, so very few people know or understand what it is, which often leads to misdiagnosis or doctor’s missing the condition entirely. If a doctor were to misdiagnose or miss Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a patient may be within their rights to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor. These cases are often complicated, so it’s crucial to have the aid of a trusted and experienced SJS attorney to help you navigate these cases.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is very rare, but many factors increase your risk of SJS. Unfortunately, you cannot avoid many of these factors, such as genetic factors. Today, we will be reviewing what SJS is and taking a closer look at the factors that increase your risk of SJS. If you were the victim of misdiagnosis or medical negligence relating to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, contact the SJS attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger and let us help.

What is SJS?

As we stated earlier, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare, deadly skin disorder that attacks the skin and the mucous membranes on the eyes, mouth, and genitals. Typically, it begins with flu-like symptoms, which you can attribute to why so many healthcare professionals misdiagnose this disease. It also shares symptoms with other conditions, making it even harder to diagnose. As SJS progresses, it forms a painful rash that encompasses roughly 10% of the body. Only one or two people out of a million experience SJS every year.

If you do not seek treatment immediately, your condition can worsen and eventually turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). While many used to believe TEN and SJS were two completely different diseases, they have now discovered that they both exist on the same disease spectrum. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is far more severe and deadly than SJS, affecting over 30% of the skin.

Some common symptoms of SJS and TEN include:

• 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

If patients do not recognize these symptoms in time and receive the proper treatment, it can soon develop into TEN, putting your life in greater danger. Roughly 10% of those with SJS die from the disease, while nearly 50% of those with TEN lose their lives. If you were misdiagnosed by a doctor and currently suffer from SJS or TEN, contact the SJS attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Causes of SJS

Before we continue to the factors that can increase your risk of SJS, we should first discuss the most common causes of this disease. Certain medications are often the most common causes of SJS, such as:

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

Risk Factors

Often, there is a combination of factors that lead to the development of SJS and TEN. While medication is often the culprit behind these deadly skin disorders, several factors can increase your risk of SJS. Some of these factors include:

• HIV and Other Viral Infections: Among those with HIV, they have about a 100 times greater risk of developing Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome than those who do not. Other viral infections, such as herpes, hepatitis, and viral pneumonia, can also increase your risk of SJS.
• Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system can also a risk factor. HIV/AIDS, autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, and some treatments, such as chemotherapy and organ transplants, can drastically weaken your immune system. Other illnesses that weaken your immune system include:
  • Influenza
  • Typhoid
  • Diphtheria
• Cancer: Those with cancer are at a higher risk of SJS. As mentioned above, chemotherapy weakens their immune system of cancer patients.
• Family History: As with many other conditions, if you have an immediate family member who has had SJS or TEN in the past, your risk of the disease is much higher. If you had SJS or TEN in the past, you are more likely to develop the condition in the future.
• HLA-B*1502 Gene: Your genetics also play a factor in developing SJS. The HLA-B*1502 gene is part of a family of genes that helps the body distinguish between the body’s own proteins and foreign invaders. Certain variations of this gene, found more commonly in those with SJS/TEN, cause the body to react abnormally to certain medications. Your body’s adverse reaction to these drugs causes it to release a substance that destroys cells in your skin and mucous membranes.

Seeking Treatment

Unfortunately, many of these factors you cannot avoid. You cannot change your family history or genetics. Often, you don’t know how your body will react to certain medications until it is too late. That is why it is so crucial to recognize these symptoms early and to seek treatment before it is too late. As we previously mentioned, 10% of those with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome die from this disease, while over 50% die from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Seeking treatment as soon as possible is paramount.

You will be immediately transferred to a hospital and may receive treatment in an ICU or burns unit. Your doctors will have you discontinue any non-essential medication to ensure the reaction stops. Your treatment will involve strong painkillers to ease the pain felt due to skin lesions. Healthcare professionals will use cold, moist compress and apply plain moisturize to your skin. All SJS patients will receive replacement fluids, as well. The recovery time can range from weeks to months, depending on the severity of your condition.

SJS is a severe skin disorder than leads to immense pain. While medication is often behind most cases, there are many factors that put you at an increased risk of SJS. Regardless, if you or a loved one suffer from SJS due to misdiagnosis or a drug reaction, you may be due compensation. Contact the SJS attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger to learn how we can help.

The world is full of potentially harmful diseases, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Many are common and well-known, such as cancer, diabetes, pneumonia, and asthma. People have a grasp on the severity of these illnesses, treating them with respect, and seeking the treatment their illness warrants. However, there are a host of conditions that are far less familiar to many people. The world is full of harmful diseases that very few people understand. Unfortunately, many of these diseases are life-threatening. Because many people don’t know about them, they pose a more substantial threat. Patients don’t know what is plaguing them, so they don’t receive the treatment and care their body needs. One such rare, life-threatening disease is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one of many rare diseases that countless people suffer from yearly. Often, very few people ever develop this disease, which leads to its rarity. Additionally, this disease shares characteristics and symptoms with other, more common diseases, which leads to misdiagnosis and missing the illness altogether. Because of its rarity, its potential to be life-threatening only increases.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one of many rare conditions that threaten the lives of many. Often, it develops as a result of specific medications and worsens when a doctor misdiagnoses or misses the disease entirely. When either of these occurs, a patient may be in their rights to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor. SJS is a complex disease, which makes filing a lawsuit difficult. By employing the aid of a trusted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney, like the ones at Wormington & Bollinger, you may be able to receive the compensation you deserve.

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

SJS is an extremely rare skin disease that should be treated with the highest level of seriousness. It attacks a person’s skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and/or genitals. Whenever SJS is identified and diagnosed, you should seek treatment immediately before the condition worsens. However, because SJS is so rare, doctors often misdiagnose this condition because it shares many symptoms with more common illnesses, including the flu. Because of this, doctors either misdiagnose their patients or miss the disease entirely.

Some of the most common symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include:

• 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

As we mentioned previously, if SJS is not treated immediately, it can quickly develop into a much more severe and life-threatening disease known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

While SJS and TEN were once thought to be two separate diseases, healthcare specialists have since learned that the two exist on the same disease spectrum. SJS is much safer than TEN. It only affects 10% of the skin, while TEN affects up to 30%.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome kills 10% of individuals who develop this condition, while 50% of those with TEN end up losing their lives. As you can see, when you don’t receive the treatment for SJS like you should, it will worsen and increase your risk of death.

What Causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

Several things can cause SJS to develop, but nearly 75% of all SJS and TEN cases are due to complications with medication. A host of medications can lead to SJS, including:

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

However, medications are not the only cause of SJS. The presence of the HLA-B*1502 gene or a compromised immune system can also lead to SJS. Plenty of other harmful conditions can also increase your risk of developing SJS, including:

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

How Rare is SJS?

As we have stated throughout this article, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are rare diseases. They are so rare that they often go misdiagnosed or missed entirely. The annual occurrence of SJS ranges from 8.6 to 9.8 per million. However, only one or two people out of a million suffer from SJS and TEN combined. SJS is less severe and much more common than TEN.

Patients who had SJS had to stay in the hospital for almost ten days. However, those that had TEN stayed in the hospital for an average of 16 days. Often, those suffering from SJS or TEN must receive treatment in intensive care units and burn units to treat their condition. After all, many describe the disease as burning from the inside out, with some describing their skin melting off. There have been more SJS cases involving females than males, yet many do not understand why.

Another study found that children had a much lower fatality rate from SJS/TEN than adults, 0.56% to 23%. About one in four children stayed in intensive care units for their condition.

As you can see, SJS does not discriminate between age. Anyone from children to seniors can develop this deadly illness. While the severity varies from person to person, without the proper treatment, the condition can worsen and become more deadly. Your likelihood of developing SJS also increases thanks to the above diseases and factors we provided earlier.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare, yet serious skin condition that puts those suffering from it in excruciating pain. In severe instances, it can even result in death. Often, complications with medication and misdiagnosis are to blame for the worst instances. If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of SJS, you may be owed compensation. Contact Wormington & Bollinger and let us fight for you.

The world is full of countless diseases and conditions that threaten the lives of millions. No one is immune to all diseases. There is a possibility that anyone can fall victim to some illness at one point in their lives. Many of these diseases are minor and don’t pose a risk to your overall health and well-being. However, many have proven to be deadly, threatening the lives of many. One such disease happens to be Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Very few people are aware of SJS, so not too many understand nor comprehend how deadly this harmful skin disease can be. While Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is rare, you should never take it lightly. Far too often, this skin disease has taken the lives of those it has afflicted. If you do not receive treatment immediately when symptoms emerge, it can quickly progress and worsen.

Due to the rarity of SJS, the general public does not know how deadly this disease can be. We are here to shine a light on the potential dangers that Stevens-Johnson Syndrome presents. The condition often worsens because doctors misdiagnose or miss SJS entirely. When this occurs, a patient may be within their rights to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, due to the complexity and rarity of this disease, these lawsuits are difficult to navigate. You should contact a trusted SJS attorney, such as the ones at Wormington & Bollinger so that we can help you seek the justice you deserve.

Understanding SJS

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare, yet serious skin disease that attacks the skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and/or genitals. You should take care of it immediately, and you should seek out treatment quickly. SJS affects one or two out of a million people every year. This rarity makes it difficult to initially diagnose. On top of that, this deadly skin disease shares many symptoms with other more common diseases, which leads to a lot of misdiagnoses.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome typically begins with flu-like symptoms, which prompts doctors to misdiagnose the disease or miss it entirely. As it progresses, the skin disorder develops into a painful rash that spreads across 10% of the body. The rash causes your skin to die, peel, and eventually heal after a few days.

Some of the most common symptoms of SJS 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

Because patients don’t recognize SJS right away, it can quickly develop into a more serious and painful disease.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis exist on the same spectrum of the same disease. SJS is safer and less severe than TEN. As SJS progresses, it eventually develops into TEN. As we said early, SJS only affects 10% of the skin on your body. However, TEN affects over 30% of your skin, increasing the damage it causes.

Causes

The most common cause of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is an allergic reaction to specific medications. There are over 100 medications that can cause SJS and TEN. Some of these medications include:

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

However, medications are not the only cause of SJS. Other harmful conditions can also increase your risk of developing SJS, such as:

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

Other factors, such as a compromised immune system, the existence of the HLA-B*1502 gene, and a family history of SJS or TEN, may increase your chances of developing this terrible skin disease.

How Deadly is It?

As we have already said, SJS is incredibly rare, affecting only a handful of individuals every year. However, for those individuals, dealing with this skin disease can be traumatic and lead to extreme pain and suffering. This condition is often likened to burning from the inside out or as if your skin is melting off.

This painful condition viciously attacks some of the most sensitive areas of a patient’s body, leaving them in immeasurable pain. Often, these patients are put into medically induced comas to protect them from this pain while they are being treated. Even if patients receive the treatment they need and are on the road to recovery, they can be met with countless complications that increase the risk of fatality.

Sun exposure may lead to more skin scarring. Eye problems, such as sicca syndrome, keratitis, corneal lesions, and more, can lead to further infections and vision loss.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can be fatal. About 10% of those with SJS die from the disease, while nearly 50% of those with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis die. Whenever you don’t receive treatment for your condition, it can progress into TEN. As you can see, TEN is far more deadly than SJS. If you don’t receive treatment early, you increase the disease’s chance of fatality.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare yet serious skin condition that you must take seriously. As you can tell by the information provided, far too often, healthcare professionals misdiagnose or miss it altogether. When this occurs, it means the condition will worsen. This disease is deadly, but when it progresses, it becomes more fatal. If you or a loved one has been afflicted by SJS due to misdiagnosis or a drug reaction, contact the Stevens-Johnson attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger to discuss your options.

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.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a skin condition that many people are unfamiliar with. But, unfortunately, it is more common than previously thought. Characterized by widespread skin pain, lesions, and an eventual feeling of “burning from the inside out,” SJS can have a lasting effect on its victims and their loved ones.

Although there are still a lot of questions surrounding SJS, we know it usually occurs because of a serious allergic reaction to a certain medication. In other cases, an infection causes SJS, like herpes or pneumonia. Regardless of what led to the onset of the condition, you must seek SJS treatment right away. SJS has a much higher recovery rate when treated early. Individuals who ignore their symptoms or who receive misdiagnosis from a medical professional may be at higher risk and have a more difficult time recovering. As SJS progresses, the symptoms become increasingly painful and dangerous. Understanding the timeline of the condition will help ensure you receive a timely diagnosis and, in turn, treatment.

One of the biggest questions people have is what SJS treatment is like. The purpose of today’s article is to take a closer look at what treatment for SJS is like. As we’ve discussed in the past, doctors often misdiagnose or miss SJS altogether. When this happens, patients may have the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all cases lead to malpractice. Due to the complex nature of these cases, you must have an experienced McKinney Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyer by your side. We have helped countless SJS patients understand their rights and, in some cases, pursue legal action against doctors who failed to diagnose symptoms.

What You Should Know About SJS

Many individuals diagnosed with SJS experience flu-like symptoms to start, making it difficult to realize something else may be the cause. It is at this point that a wrong diagnosis can be made and an antibiotic prescribed. Sadly, this makes matters worse, as some antibiotics can cause SJS themselves. After the flu-like symptoms, patients typically develop ulcers or lesions on the mucous membranes around the mouth and genital or anal areas. A common symptom for children is conjunctivitis around the eyes. As the disease progresses, many patients will develop a skin rash accompanied by blisters that are red or purple in color. If left untreated, SJS may turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

What is TEN?

Previously thought to be different conditions, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a more serious version of SJS. Also known as Lyell’s Syndrome, TEN has a higher mortality rate than SJS. Here are a few facts about TEN to help you understand just how serious this condition is:

• TEN is more serious than SJS – Patients with TEN experience skin detachment of 30 percent or more, unlike SJS patients who usually have less than 10 percent skin detachment.
• TEN is typically caused by a severe reaction to a prescription drug or medication
• Treatment for TEN is absolutely critical and must be administered around the clock

What causes SJS?

We briefly mentioned above that certain medications and infections are usually the root cause of SJS. The following medications are most commonly linked to SJS and TEN:

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

For a more comprehensive look at the drugs associated with SJS, please take a look at this article.

Here’s a look at some of the common infections that may lead to SJS:

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

SJS Risk Factors

Unfortunately, we still do not fully understand the why behind SJS. However, there do appear to be several existing conditions that may increase a person’s chances of developing SJS. Some risk factors include:

• Compromised immune system or immune disorder
• Presence of disease that negatively impacts the effectiveness of a person’s immune system (such as HIV or Lupus)
• The HLA-B*1502 gene
• Viral infections
• A previous history of SJS
• A family history of SJS

Diagnosing SJS

As we know, SJS is a serious skin condition characterized by blistering skin, lesions, and a red-purplish rash. To stop it in its tracks, it is imperative you seek treatment for your symptoms right away. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is important you get tested for SJS. Diagnosing SJS can be challenging. The following guidelines help explain how SJS diagnosis:

• Physical examination that evaluates skin and mucous membranes
• Assessing how much pain the patient is experiencing
• Noting how quickly the rash or blisters have spread
• Evaluating the amount of affected skin
• Skin biopsy (this is the best way to determine if the patient has SJS)
• Skin or oral culture to rule out infection
• Imaging tests
• Blood tests

Treating SJS

Many consider Stevens-Johnson Syndrome a dermatological emergency in the majority of cases. The skin’s job is to protect the body from a wide range of external and internal threats. When the integrity of the skin is compromised, it can increase the risk of disease and other serious side effects. Often, treatment for SJS is similar to that of burn injuries. In fact, most SJS patients stay in hospital burn units as the first line of action. Other treatments include:

• Fluids
• Antibiotics
• Intravenous (IV) pain medication
• Local analgesics to treat mouth ulcers
• Dead skin removed to encourage healing
• Steroid hormones to reduce inflammation and support the body’s immune system

It will take most patients several weeks or months to recover from SJS, depending on the severity of the condition. While the fatality rate is around five percent, this number can increase if someone doesn’t treat the condition. If you or a loved one has been affected by SJS, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger to learn about your options. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand what legal rights you may have.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin condition that was first discovered by American pediatricians in 1922. Albert Mason Stevens and Frank Chambliss Johnson reported two cases of young boys with “an extraordinary, generalized eruption with continued fever, inflamed buccal mucosa, and severe purulent conjunctivitis.” Previously, the 7 and 8-year-old boys were misdiagnosed with hemorrhagic measles. Even though this first case of SJS happened nearly 100 years ago, physicians today still misdiagnose the condition.

When SJS is present, patients experience skin cell death, resulting in the epidermis separating from the dermis. Often, this syndrome happens because of a “hypersensitivity complex” that affects the skin and mucous membranes. To this day, the exact biology of the condition is not fully understood. However, we do know that some of the most common causes of SJS are an allergic reaction to specific medications, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and sulfa drugs.

Symptoms

Considered a type IV (subtype C) hypersensitivity reaction, SJS has long confused medical professionals and patients alike. Initial symptoms of the condition mimic those of the flu, making it difficult to diagnose. SJS may start with the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Widespread skin pain
• Red or purplish rash
• Cough
• Blisters
• Sores on the skin and the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and genitals
• Skin that peels off in sheets
• Swollen eyes
• Eyes sealed shut
• Pain with urination
• Drooling

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. The sooner a doctor diagnoses SJS, the higher the chance of recovery. If left untreated, SJS may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), a more severe version of the condition. In the past, medical experts thought SJS and TEN were different conditions. We now know they are of the same disease spectrum. SJS may affect up to 10 percent of the patient’s body surface, while patients with TEN experience skin detachment on 30 percent of the skin.

The purpose of today’s article is to take a look back at the history of SJS and what we’ve learned. By understanding the circumstances surrounding the first case of SJS back in 1922, we can see how the condition has progressed. Because SJS and TEN are so commonly misdiagnosed even today, some people may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit and recover damages. To learn more about filing a lawsuit following an SJS diagnosis, contact our McKinney Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers.

History of SJS

As mentioned, we can trace the first case of SJS back to 1922. Albert Stevens was a prominent surgeon born in Rangoon, India, and Frank Johnson was an American pediatrician who graduated from Rutgers College in 1916. The two collaborated on a publication called “A New Eruptive Fever Associated with Stomatitis and Ophthalmia” in the American Journal of Disease of Children in December of 1922. The two young boys at the center of the first case had numerous skin eruptions that were dark red or purplish, as well as a fever, inflamed mucous membranes, and conjunctivitis. One of the boys had already lost his vision. Stevens and Johnson had never seen symptoms quite like this before, nor had anyone they consulted.

It is unknown when the condition was officially named Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, but the contribution these two professionals made to the medical community is invaluable. 

Drugs that cause an SJS interaction

During their studies, Stevens and Johnson found that the syndrome presented as an immune hypersensitivity that attacked the deepest layer of skin and mucous membranes. It appeared as if the skin was burning from the inside out, which is why SJS and TEN cases today are often treated at local burn units.

SJS is still a mystery in many ways. But we have learned a lot since the first case emerged. For one, doctors now believe an allergic reaction to some medications leads to SJS, including:

• Allopurinol
• Advil/ibuprofen
• Ansaid/Flurbiprofen
• Celebrex/Celoxicab
• Children’s Advil/Motrin
• Mood stabilizers like Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
• Lamictal/Lamotrigine
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Sulfa antibiotics
• Dilantin/Phenytoin
• Indocin
• Lodine/Etodolac
• Motrin
• Tolectin/Tolmetin
• Vioxx/Rofecoxib

If you have taken a prescription or over-the-counter drug that caused a severe reaction, call your physician immediately. The sooner you diagnose SJS, the better.

Risk Factors of SJS

Many of the drugs linked to SJS are very common and taken by people on a regular basis. SJS is a rare skin condition, meaning not every person who is prescribed the above drugs will develop the disease. There are certain risk factors for SJS, including:

• Viral infections (herpes, hepatitis, viral pneumonia, and HIV)
• A weakened immune system (due to certain autoimmune conditions like lupus, HIV and AIDS, chemotherapy, and organ transports, for example)
• A history of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• A family history of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Finding Relief from SJS 

Once diagnosed, numerous steps can provide patients with relief during treatment at the hospital or burn unit. These treatments may include:

• Pain killers to address widespread skin discomfort
• Cold compresses against the skin
• Application of a plain, unscented moisturizer
• Replacement fluids
• Antiseptic mouthwashes
• Topical corticosteroids to control skin inflammation
• Antibiotics (in some cases)
• Eye drops or eye ointments

Please keep in mind these treatments should only occur under the direct supervision of a specialist.

SJS Today

Sadly, many doctors and other medical professionals still do not know the why behind Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Some believe it is the result of damage to the blood vessels in the skin, but this is just one theory. Technologies will continue to evolve and give us a greater understanding of rare conditions like SJS and TEN moving forward. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with SJS, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be able to file a lawsuit and seek damages for medical malpractice. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, give us a call today.