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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe exact cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome can't always be identified. Usually, the condition is an allergic reaction in response to medication, infection or illness.
Medication causes
Medications are most often the cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Drugs commonly associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:
- Anti-gout medications, such as allopurinol
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Sulfonamides and penicillins, which are used to treat infections
- Anticonvulsants, which are used to treat seizures
Infectious causes
Infections that can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:
- Herpes (herpes simplex or herpes zoster)
- Influenza
- HIV
- Diphtheria
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis
Other causes
In some cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome may be caused by physical stimuli, such as radiation therapy or ultraviolet light.
- 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.
