Severe disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, in which the epidermis separates from the dermis forming blisters.
It is usually triggered by medication or infection, but in 50% of cases, the cause is unknown. Other causes are infections, vaccinations, hormonal changes, pregnancy, reactive arthritis and sarcoidosis. There are factors that increase the risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome, such as HIV, having a weakened immune system or a personal or family history of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
It is characterized by a sudden development of a rash with vesicles and blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, together with high fever, severe headache, sore throat and fatigue.
Diagnosis is made by clinical history and examination of the lesions. Histological analysis of the sloughed skin shows a necrotic epithelium, which is a characteristic sign.
Pharmacological treatment is controversial and is based on intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants.
The most common complications are dry eye syndrome, photophobia, blindness, sepsis, post-traumatic stress syndrome, respiratory failure, renal failure, arrhythmias and skin scarring.
It is a dermatological emergency requiring hospitalization. It has a recurrence risk of about 40%.
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