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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
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.
Symptoms- Tonneson MG. Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/122833403-4/0/1621/0.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
- The Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis spectrum of disease. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/122833403-5/808553136/1195/120.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/122833403-5/0/1417/1201.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
- Knowles SR, et al. Recognition and management of severe cutaneous drug reactions. Dermatologic Clinics. 2007;25:245.
- Schneck J, et al. Effects of treatments on the mortality of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: A retrospective study on patients included in the prospective EuroSCAR Study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58:33.
- High WA. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
