Stevens-Johnson syndrome

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Stevens-Johnson syndrome — also called erythema multiforme major — is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Often, Stevens-Johnson syndrome begins with several days of flu-like symptoms, followed by inflammation of your mucous membranes and a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of your skin to die and shed.

Although the cause isn't always clear, Stevens-Johnson syndrome usually is a specific type of allergic reaction in response to medication or infection. An emergency medical condition, Stevens-Johnson syndrome requires hospitalization. Treatment focuses on eliminating the underlying cause, if possible, controlling symptoms and minimizing complications. Recovery after Stevens-Johnson syndrome can take several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of your condition.

If your doctor determines that your case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome was caused by medication, be sure to avoid that medication and all others related to it that may cause a similar reaction, because recurrences of Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be fatal.

NEXT:

Symptoms