Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but dangerous skin disorder. The disorder causes severe reactions in a person’s skin and mucous membranes. It is often a result of an allergic reaction to various over the counter or prescription medications or as a result of infection.

Developing SJS is considered by medical experts to be a medical emergency and patients who develop symptoms should seek treatment by their physician or an emergency room doctor immediately.

In many cases, Stevens Johnson Syndrome develops as a quickly spreading red or purplish rash. Prior to the development of a rash, many people experience flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include: fever, sore mouth and throat, fatigue, cough, and/or burning eyes.

Following the flu-like symptoms, physical symptoms begin to present themselves. These symptoms may include: facial swelling, tongue swelling, hives, skin pain, a fast spreading red or purplish rash, blisters on the skin and mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes, and genital areas), and the shedding of skin.

As the top layer of skin dies due to the physical symptoms of the disease, the dead skin may begin to slough off. Any person experiencing any of these physical symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Patients should inform their physicians of any flu-like symptoms they previously experienced.

When diagnosing Stevens Johnson Syndrome, doctors may be uncertain of the disease’s exact cause. The disease usually results from various infections or allergic reactions. A wide variety of medications are known to cause SJS.

A few of those medications include: pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), anti gout medications (allopurinol), antibiotics, medications that treat seizures or mental illness, and radiation therapy.

Some of the various infections that cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome include: herpes, pneumonia, HIV and hepatitis. There are also several factors that increase your risk of developing SJS.

These risk factors include viral infections, weakened immune systems, a history of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and the presence of the gene HLA-B 1502. Scientists believe families of Chinese, Southeast Asian, or Indian descent are more likely to carry the gene.

How is Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treated?

In order to diagnose SJS, a doctor will often look at a patient’s medical history, perform a physical exam, and examine any physical symptoms the patient is currently experiencing. A doctor will confirm any diagnosis with a skin biopsy, by removing a small sample of skin for laboratory testing. A doctor may also suggest patients stop taking any non-essential medications.

Recovery from Stevens Johnson Syndrome may take weeks to months depending on the severity of the symptoms a patient experienced. Treatment of SJS usually focuses on eliminating the underlying cause of the disease, controlling symptoms, and minimizing complications.

Hospital care will focus on fluid replacement, nutrition, and administering medications used to treat pain, discomfort, itching, infection, and skin inflammation.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

Attorneys are working with patients across the nation to file Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies. These lawsuits claim that pharmaceutical companies failed to warn the general public of their drugs’ potential risks in developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

For many patients, these SJS lawsuits are the only means of paying the extensive medical bills they accumulated during treatment.