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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's difficult to prevent an initial attack of Stevens-Johnson syndrome because you don't know what will trigger it. However, if you had Stevens-Johnson syndrome once, and your doctor determined that it was caused by medication, be sure to avoid that medication and others in the same class to prevent another attack. If the herpes virus caused your reaction, you may need to take daily antiviral medications to prevent a recurrence.
A recurrence of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is usually more severe than the first episode and, in many cases, it can be fatal.
- 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.
