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ALL / Dermatology
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe systemic reaction affecting the skin and mucosa that is almost always caused by a drug reaction.Previously it was thought that Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) was a severe form of erythema multiforme. They are now however considered as separate entities.
Causes
- penicillin
- sulphonamides
- lamotrigine, carbamazepine, phenytoin
- allopurinol
- NSAIDs
- oral contraceptive pill
Features
- the rash is typically maculopapular with target lesions being characteristic
- may develop into vesicles or bullae
- Nikolsky sign is positive in erythematous areas - blisters and erosions appear when the skin is rubbed gently
- mucosal involvement
- systemic symptoms: fever, arthralgia
Management
- hospital admission is required for supportive treatment
+PassMedicine Notes
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe systemic reaction affecting the skin and mucosa that is almost always caused by a drug reaction.
Previously it was thought that Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) was a severe form of erythema multiforme. They are now however considered as separate entities.
Causes- penicillin
- sulphonamides
- lamotrigine, carbamazepine, phenytoin
- allopurinol
- NSAIDs
- oral contraceptive pill
- the rash is typically maculopapular with target lesions being characteristic
- may develop into vesicles or bullae
- Nikolsky sign is positive in erythematous areas - blisters and erosions appear when the skin is rubbed gently
- mucosal involvement
- systemic symptoms: fever, arthralgia
- hospital admission is required for supportive treatment
