Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS), a skin condition caused by an extreme allergic reaction to medication, can be a devastating condition.

This sometimes deadly condition can be caused by common over-the-counter medications such as Naproxen, more commonly known as Aleve.

Naproxen treats inflammation and pain in the body. It belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family, and works by reducing hormones that trigger pain. It is highly popular in treating acute pains such as headaches or joint pain, but can also be used to treat chronic conditions like arthritis.

Consumers taking Naproxen should be vigilant for any signs or symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome.

Overview of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome Complications

TENS often starts with a rash, or an epidermal necrolysis. The epidermal necrolysis is often red or purple in color, and can consume over 30 percent of the patient’s skin surface. Given the amount of of skin that detaches from the body due to blistering and peeling, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis treatment is often long and arduous for patients.

Oftentimes skin grafts are needed to replenish lost flesh, and patients may need a feeding tube and assistance with basic tasks. Lesions also appear on the mucus membranes of the body including the eyes, genitals, nose, and mouth.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome is a more severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which comes with the same symptoms but covers less of the skin surface area.

Luckily TENS is an extremely rare condition only diagnosed in one or two people out of a million each year in the United States. Perhaps because of its rarity, doctors often fail to recognize the condition in its initial stages.

The condition starts with flu-like symptoms, with the epidermal necrolysis appearing in later stages.

The condition is extremely aggressive and can turn deadly quickly, often making toxic epidermal necrolysis treatment vital for the patient’s survival. Even patients who survive the condition may be left with life-altering conditions such as permanent skin damage or blindness.

Although rapid toxic epidermal necrolysis treatment can save lives and help mitigate lasting damage, patients may never completely recover. Patients who have suffered Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome, or the families of those who have suffered, may be eligible to take legal action against the drug companies that manufactured the allergy-triggering drugs.