Frequently Asked Questions for Stevens Johnson Syndrome

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes. The most common indication of the disease is the appearance of blisters and lesions on the skin.

What causes Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Scientists have not determined an exact cause of the disorder although it has recently been linked to several prescription drugs and over the counter medications. SJS has been linked to ibuprofen, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and, most recently, to Children's Motrin and Bextra. The medications can cause an allergic drug reaction resulting in SJS. Those who develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome begin to see flu-like symptoms within 1-4 weeks after taking the medication, then increasingly severe symptoms, such as skin lesions and blisters.

What are the symptoms of SJS?

Mild symptoms include skin blisters, inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat and eyes, conjunctivitis ("pink eye") and flu-like symptoms, such as headache and fever.

As the condition worsens, patients may develop painful skin lesions, begin losing layers of their skin and have severe eye problems resulting in partial to complete blindness.

Is there any treatment available for patients with Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

For the milder symptoms, topical creams and antihistamines can help control the itching and burning of blisters and rashes. Also, patients with swelling in the mouth, nose and throat can use anesthetics to reduce inflammation that causes discomfort when eating and drinking. Prescribed medications can also help reduce the "pink eye" and other ocular inflammation.

For patients with severe SJS, hospitalization may be required to control the disease, prevent infection and manage pain. For serious skin lesions or burning, a patient may be checked into the burn unit or intensive care unit to treat the skin.

What is the connection between Children's Motrin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Some children who have taken the over the counter ibuprofen Children's Motrin have developed serious cases of Stevens Johnson syndrome. This disease can be very serious for a child, resulting in blindness and death. After hearing of the severe cases and being urged by a group petition, the FDA withdrew the product from the shelves.

What is the mortality rate for patients with SJS?

Approximately 5% of patients with Stevens Johnson Syndrome die. These patients usually experience severe symptoms, such as blindness and skin loss over 10% of the body.

What is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is considered by most doctors to be a severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The two disorders are part of a trio of inflammatory disorders affecting the skin and mucous membranes. TEN patients generally suffer from greater skin loss (up to 30%) and have a higher mortality rate of almost 30%. Some doctors believe that, left untreated, SJS may progress into TEN, having disastrous effects on the patients.