Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Overview
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious skin reaction that's usually caused by taking certain medicines. It needs to be treated immediately in hospital.
Symptoms
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can start with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, sore throat, cough and joint pain. The rash usually starts on the upper body before quickly spreading to the face, arms, legs and other areas of the body, such as the genitals. It's not usually itchy. You can also get blisters and sores: on your lips and in your mouth and throat – this can make swallowing painfulin the tube that carries pee out of your body – this can cause pain when peeingon your eyes – this can cause eye pain, pain when looking at bright lights and problems with your sight
Causes
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is often caused by your body reacting to certain medicines, particularly some types of: epilepsy medicinesantibioticsanti-inflammatory painkillers In children, Stevens-Johnson syndrome can sometimes be caused by infections likecoldorflu,cold soresandglandular fever.
Treatment
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is treated in hospital, often in an intensive care unit. Without treatment, the symptoms can become life-threatening. If it's thought Stevens-Johnson syndrome is being caused by a medicine you're taking, the medicine will be stopped. You'll have treatment to relieve your symptoms, which may include: fluids into a vein to prevent dehydrationcreams and dressings to moisturise and protect the skinstrong painkillers to help ease any painmedicines to control inflammation and prevent infection