A common pain killer for every day aches and pains, over-the-counter ibuprofen has come to be relied upon by many people – so much so that people often take the medication indiscriminately at the first sign of a little soreness.Sometimes, however, people develop an ibuprofen rash that should not be taken lightly.

For a certain percentage of the population, medications in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) category such as Advil, Motrin, or generic ibuprofen, can lead to a type of serious skin reaction. It is not known what causes the reaction, but it is believed be allergic in nature.

An ibuprofen rash or any breakout of the skin following use of an NSAID should be taken seriously.

The skin diseases Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) often start with rashes on or near areas of sensitive mucous membranes such as the lips, tongue, and interior of the mouth, eyes, and exterior tissue of the genitalia.

Although not necessarily linked in the mind of the one suffering, the onset of SJS and TEN can provide warning signals that resemble flu symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat

An ibuprofen rash can have blisters and be red or purplish in appearance. The pustules can resemble a red or purple version of the chicken pox and, in addition to being around mucous membranes, show up on the torso, upper arms, and neck.

The break out is often followed by extensive overall skin pain and then epidermal detachment. Areas of the outer layer of skin may peel away. At this point in the disease process, SJS and TEN victims are often more prone to infections that can even become terminal in nature.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Risk Factors

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are certain pre-existing conditions that would make it more likely for certain people to react to NSAIDs. Those conditions both acquired and genetic in nature:

• HLA-B*1502 gene – Families of Chinese, Southeast Asian, or Indian descent tend to have a higher percentage of people carrying this gene. If this gene is then combined with ingestion of NSAIDs or even other drugs that are suspect such as treatment for gout, mental illness, or seizures.

• An HIV infection

• A compromised immune system – an immune system weakened through organ transplant or a host of autoimmune diseases

• A personal history of SJS or TEN – having the disease in the past makes you more likely to contract it a second time.

• A family history of SJS or TEN – a sensitivity to certain medication and a proclivity to the disease can run in families.

If SJS and TEN progresses from an ibuprofen rash to the full-blown disease, the patient may experience long-lasting problems even after recovery. Fingernails and toenails may not grow back normally, and hair may fall out multiple times because of skin damage. If one experiences the epidermal sloughing, skin will grow back but likely carry with it unsightly scars or have uneven pigment and even bumps.

Patients whose ibuprofen rash develops into SJS or TEN may be able to seek compensation. A free consultation with a pharmaceutical product liability lawyer can give patients an understanding of their legal options.