When Stevens Johnson Syndrome Isn’t
By John Curran
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS) are painful skin and immune conditions. The most benign forms are marked by skin rashes that become blotches, as well as ulcers in any mucous membranes. Unfortunately, the most advanced forms can lead to entire swaths of skin dying off.
Little is known about why some people develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms and others don’t. More perplexing for doctors is that there is a condition that they think is related, but is of no risk at all. It is called erythema multiforme, and can be caused by many of the same medications that lead to SJS and TENS. In both cases, the skin becomes inflamed in a stippling pattern that can turn into blotches.
However, scientists are not sure whether or not the advanced form, erythema multiforme major, is related to SJS. Both look similar, except that patients with erythema multiforme don’t need any treatment. In fact, it only lasts a week, while a bout with Stevens Johnson syndrome side effects could require weeks of sedation.
Steroids may help in treatment, but physicians usually hold off to see whether or not the condition will go away. Unfortunately, all three of these conditions look the same at the beginning. While it may be nothing, people on a new medication should not risk developing advanced Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms or worse.
If a friend or loved one develops any sort of rash or stippling, see a doctor. The price of the visit is nothing compared to the costs associated with treating toxic epidermal necrolysis and its less dangerous siblings for weeks, if not months and years down the road.
If you or someone you know has developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms or those of related conditions, you may be able to get help. Go to our Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation now to learn about potential legal options. When you fill out the short form there, you’ll get qualified legal advice from an experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome class action lawsuit lawyer.
Medical treatment for these conditions can still leave you in pain, and hospital visits continue long after symptoms go away. Get in touch with one of our partner Stevens Johnson Syndrome class action lawsuit lawyers today to see if you could benefit from pursuing a case.
Updated October 24th, 2012
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