Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but very serious skin problem that causes reddish lesions throughout the body, as well as other changes that make breathing and death difficult because they can put the life of the affected person into tension.
This syndrome usually occurs due to an allergic reaction to certain medications, especially penicillin or other antibiotics, as symptoms may appear up to 3 days after taking the medicine.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome has a cure.
- But treatment should begin earlier in the hospital to avoid serious complications.
- Such as widespread infection or damage to internal organs.
- That can complicate treatment and cure the disease.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The first symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome are very similar to those of influenza, showing fatigue, pain, muscle aches and headaches, for example; However, as time begins to appear, red lesions or spots appear on the skin that extend throughout the territory. Body.
Besides that, the other symptoms that can occur are:
When these symptoms occur, especially up to 3 days after taking a new medicine, it is recommended that you arrive quickly in the hospital emergency room so that this problem can be evaluated and then appropriate treatment started.
Diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is done by observing lesions that contain specific characteristics such as color and shape. Your doctor may also order blood tests, urinate, and take a sample of the lesions if secondary infections are suspected.
Although very rare, this syndrome is more common in people who are being treated with some of the following medications:
In addition to medication use, some infections can also cause this syndrome, especially those caused by a virus such as herpes, HIV, or hepatitis A. Also, people with weakened immune systems but also at higher risk.
Treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome should be hacked upon hospital admission and usually begins with discontinuation of use of any non-essential medications to treat a chronic disease, which could cause symptoms of the syndrome to worsen.
During the hospital stay, intravenous hydration may be necessary to replenish fluids lost from lack of skin in injured areas. To reduce the risk of infection, inherited diseases should be treated daily by a nurse.
To reduce the ailments caused by injury, cold water and neutral creams may be used to moisturize the skin, as well as to take medications your doctor receives as well as antihistamines, corticosteroids or antibiotics.