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Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

(SJS)

Definition

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.

Blisters.

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Causes

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.

Risk Factors

Many medicines have been linked to SJS. Some common ones are:

  • Allopurinol
  • Certain seizure drugs
  • Nevirapine
  • Oxicam nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Sulfur antibiotics
  • Imidazole antifungals
  • Certain cancer drugs

Other things that raise the risk of SJS are:

  • Immune system problems such as HIV and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Certain genes
  • Radiation therapy and taking anti-seizure medicine—to treat a brain tumor
  • Certain infections
  • Some blood and nervous system cancers
  • Kidney disease

Symptoms

SJS symptoms develop over time. Early symptoms may be:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Burning eyes

After several days, symptoms may be:

  • A red or purple rash that spreads
  • Swelling of the face and tongue
  • Skin pain
  • Blisters on the skin and the skin inside the mouth, nose, and eyes
  • Shedding of the skin

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about 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.

Treatment

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:

  • Pain medicine
  • Antihistamines to reduce itching
  • Steroids by mouth or IV immunoglobulin (IVIG)—to treat the disease
  • Eye drops—to moisten eyes and prevent or treat infection
  • Antibiotics—to treat an infection caused by bacteria

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:

  • Applying cool, wet compresses to blisters
  • Removing dead skin
  • Wound care

Prevention

The risk of SJS may be reduced by not taking medicines that caused SJS in the past.

Resources:

Canadian Resources:

Canadian Resources:

References

  • Hasegawa A, Abe R. Recent advances in managing and understanding Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-612.
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stevens-johnson-syndrome.
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stevens-johnson-syndrome-toxic-epidermal-necrolysis.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2023-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.