How to Say It: Stee-vens Jon-son Sin-drom
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin reaction. It is marked by a rash, blisters, and sores. It can affect skin all over the body. This includes inside the mouth, nose, and eyes.
SJS can be life-threatening.
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Most SJS is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain medicines. It is not certain what causes the overreaction. Illness and genes may play a role.
Many medicines have been linked to SJS. Some common ones are:
Other things that raise the risk of SJS are:
SJS symptoms develop over time. Early symptoms may be:
After several days, symptoms may be:
The doctor will ask bout symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. This will often result in a diagnosis.
Tests may be done to look for a cause or rule out other conditions. They may include:
A sample of skin may be tested. This can be done with a biopsy.
The goal is to treat the condition and prevent further problems. This often involves hospital care.
The doctor will advise stopping medicines that may be causing the condition.
Treatment options may be:
Medicines will be chosen carefully.
It the hospital, IV fluids may be given to replace lost fluids. Nutrition may be given by a feeding tube—if food cannot be taken by mouth.
Treatments for the skin may include:
Johns Hopkins Medicine
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
Shriners Hospitals for Children
http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Ergen EN, Hughey LC. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. JAMA Dermatol. 2017;153(12):1344.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/conditions/stevens-johnson.html. Accessed August 6, 2021.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stevens-johnson-syndrome-toxic-epidermal-necrolysis. Accessed August 6, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Dan Ostrovsky, MD