Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Causes and Symptoms

From the medical perspective, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe health condition, which is nothing else but a response to the taken medication. It is not a frequent diagnosis. The disease affects human skin. It forces the body’s surface to peel off. The worst thing is that lumps develop inside the organism as well.The person then finds it difficult to consume meals, drink, or even urinate. The damaged mucous membrane is the main reason for that reaction. It is critical to identify the disease in the early phases.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome appears as the consequence of some specific medication. The problem is the result of the abnormal response to different drugs. In 75 per cent of situations associated with the syndrome, the medical drugs are the primary cause of the disease. Also known as SJS, the disease is known for its progress as the person ages. The older the patient is the more difficult consequences he or she faces. Children suffer less respectively. What are the medications leading to SJS?

Those are, first of all, sulfa drugs and anti-epileptics. Many drugs used to cure or prevent kidney stones can result in Stevens-Johnson syndrome. It is better to keep away from carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and phenobarbital. People who face gout also may experience this disease as an outcome of intensive gout treatment. Stay away from such medications as piroxicam, and nevirapine. They are also harmful.

The signs of SJS are obvious. The first symptom a patient will notice is the serious ache in the skin. Some of the signs remind of the flu and cold, but it is hard to confuse these health conditions as the rest of the symptoms help to define the core issue. An overall weakness appears at the beginning steps of the disease’s progress. Other signs during this period involve a fever-like temperature of 100.4F or higher, general weakness, a pain in the head, severe coughing, and pain in the joints and muscles. In several days, spots cover the body, either the entire surface or not. They get paler outside and darker in the middle of the damaged area. The patients do not characterize it like an itchy sensation. The spots quickly cover the body in a few days or even hours. They are still disturbing.

SJS possesses a number of risk factors that help to prevent the adverse consequences of this health condition. People who suffer from an HIV infection often complain of this condition. The scientists have proved that people who suffer from an HIV are at 100%(!) higher risk of catching SJS than people who do not have HIV. Another threat is a weakened immune system. A weak immune system is a hint to most of the known diseases. It means the human organism cannot resist specific viruses and bacteria.

As far as the organism cannot withstand the disease, it starts to develop and progress. It is also critical to understand the origins and development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome to understand the risk factors. Any medication-based type of this problem may predetermine the further progress of SJS. In case you take the same drugs again, you risk failing. A disease is often inherited as the genes matter. In most cases, the HLA-B*1502 gene is the primary risk factor. This gene usually predetermines a person is at a high risk.

Some complications and adverse consequences of SJS exist. The disease influences various body organs and leads to the inside/outside rash. The mucous membranes get irritated. The skin diseases are always among the most difficult, so it is obvious such type of a health condition leads to some complications when not treated at the early phase. Among the difficulties, a patient may experience serious modifications in the skin. For instance, the body’s surface may switch colors. Another typical complication is the scarring of tissues. A person, no matter man or woman, can experience cellulitis – an extra fat in the skin.

Several known ways exist to come up with the final, accurate diagnosis when a person is under the threat of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Various processes and extra examinations assist in diagnosing SJS. The first method is a typical physical test. The healthcare professional frequently can define the problem depending on the patient’s medical history, so it is necessary to bring it with you. Along with the physical examination, the doctor can determine the real problem. Skin biopsy is an even more effective technique used to diagnose serious problems like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In order to verify the final diagnosis, it is critical to examine a sample of skin with the help of lab exams.

Another thing is culture. Yes, cultural peculiarities may help to define the health condition. It all depends on the oral and skin hygiene of the person. With the help of culture from other body parts, the doctors may be able to verify and even take care of the disease. Another effective method is imaging, meaning a healthcare expert will conduct a chest X-ray once all typical symptoms are present. Test yourself for pneumonia as well. Finally, blood exams may assist in deciding on the final diagnosis. It helps either to decide on the final diagnosis and potential causes.