A serious condition of the skin and mucous membranes in which the epidermis separates from the dermis to form blisters.
It is usually caused by a drug or infection, but in 50% of cases the cause is unknown. Other causes include infections, vaccines, hormonal changes, pregnancy, reactive arthritis and sarcoidosis. There are factors that increase the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, such as having HIV, a weakened immune system, or a personal or family history of the syndrome.
It is characterised by the sudden onset of a rash with vesicles and blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, along with high fever, severe headache, sore throat and fatigue.
The diagnosis is made by taking a history and examining 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 hospitalisation with a risk of recurrence of almost 40%.
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