Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a very serious skin disease, a malignant type of exudative erythema, in which a reddening appears on the skin. At the same time, large blisters appear on the mucous membranes and skin. Inflammation of the oral mucosa interferes with closing the mouth, taking food, drinking. Severe pain provokes increased salivation, difficulty breathing.

Inflammation, the appearance of blisters on the mucous membranes of the urogenital system hampers the natural movements. Urination and sexual intercourse become very painful.

Most often, Stevens-Jones syndrome occurs as a response allergic reaction to taking antibiotics or drugs designed to treat bacterial infections. Representatives of medicine tend to the fact that the propensity to the disease is inherited.

The reason for the aggravation may be, according to scientists, several factors.

Most often, Stevens-Jones syndrome occurs as a response allergic reaction to taking antibiotics or drugs designed to treat bacterial infections. The reaction can be caused by means of epilepsy, sulfonamides, non-steroidal pain killers. Many drugs, especially of synthetic origin, also affect the appearance of symptoms characterizing Stevenson Johnson's syndrome.

Infectious diseases (influenza, AIDS, herpes, hepatitis) can also provoke a malignant form of exudative erythema. Fungi, mycoplasmas, bacteria that enter the body, can provoke an allergic reaction

Finally, the symptoms are very often recorded in the presence of cancer.

More often than not, Stevens Johnson's syndrome manifests itself in men from twenty to forty, although the disease was registered in women, children up to six months.

Since the disease belongs to allergies of the instant type, it develops very quickly. It begins with a strong indisposition, the appearance of intolerable pain in the joints, muscles, a sharp increase in temperature.

In a few hours (less often - days), the skin is covered with silvery films, deep cracks, blood clots.

At this time, bubbles appear on the lips and eyes. If initially the allergic reaction to the eyes is reduced to their severe reddening, then later, ulcers, purulent blisters may appear. Influxes the cornea, the posterior parts of the eye.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome can affect the genitals, causing cystitis or urethritis.

To make a diagnosis, you need a general blood test. Usually, in the presence of the disease, it shows a very high level of leukocytes, rapid sedimentation of red blood cells.

In addition to the general analysis, it is necessary to take into account all preparations, substances, food, which the patient took.

Treatment of the syndrome usually involves intravenous transfusion of blood plasma, drugs that purify the body of accumulated toxins, the introduction of hormones. To prevent the development of infection in ulcers, prescribe a complex of antifungal and antibacterial drugs, solutions of antiseptics.

It is very important to observe a strict diet prescribed by a doctor, drink plenty of fluids.

It is statistically established that with timely access to a specialist, treatment ends up quite successfully, although it takes a long time. Therapy usually lasts 3-4 months.

If the patient does not begin to receive medication in the first days of the disease, then Stevens-Johnson syndrome can lead to death. 10% of the patients die due to late treatment.

Sometimes after treatment, especially if the disease has been in severe form, scar or spots may remain on the skin. There may be complications in the form of colitis, respiratory failure, impaired functioning of the genitourinary system, blindness.

This disease completely excludes self-treatment, since it is potentially fatal.