Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious disorder in which your skin and mucous membranes react severely to a medication or infection. Often, Stevens-Johnson syndrome begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of your skin to die and shed.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an emergency medical condition that usually requires hospitalization. Treatment focuses on eliminating the underlying cause, controlling symptoms and minimizing complications.
Recovery after Stevens-Johnson syndrome can take weeks to months, depending on the severity of your condition. If your doctor determines that your case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome was caused by medication, you’ll need to permanently avoid the medication and all others related to it.
Signs and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:
- Facial swelling
- Tongue swelling
- Hives
- Skin pain
- A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days
- Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose and eyes
- Shedding (sloughing) of your skin
If you have Stevens-Johnson syndrome, several days before the rash develops, you may experience:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Burning eyes
When to see a doctor
Stevens-Johnson syndrome requires immediate medical attention. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Unexplained widespread skin pain
- Facial swelling
- Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes
- Hives
- Tongue swelling
- A red or purple skin rash that spreads
- Shedding of your skin
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[...] Bol had internal bleeding and other complications from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare skin illness that he contracted from a medication he received in [...]