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Steven Johnson's Syndrome
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are
two forms of the skin disease that can cause rash, skin peeling, and
sores on the mucous membranes.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an immune-complex–mediated hypersensitivity
disorder that may be caused by many drugs, viral infections, and
malignancies. Often, the drugs causing the onset of Stevens Johnson
Syndrome, such as Bextra, did not have warnings placed on their labels
until recently. Patients unknowingly took these drugs and many
developed the potentially fatal Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
In Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a person has blistering of mucous
membranes, typically in the mouth, eyes, and vagina, and patchy areas
of rash. In toxic epidermal necrolysis, there is a similar blistering
of mucous membranes. However, in addition to blistering, the entire
epidermis peels off in sheets from large areas of the body.
Both disorders can be life threatening.Causes of Stevens Johnson
Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are certain drugs in the
following classes: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (both
prescription and over the counter), sulfa antibiotics, antibiotics,
barbiturates, anticonvulsants, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and the drug
allopurinol. In rare cases SJS is caused by a bacterial infection.
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