About Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
General Description
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare vesiculobullous (blister/bubble producing) disease characterized by acute eruptions involving the skin and mucous membranes (eyes, nostrils, mouth, throat, lips, and genitals). It is similar to a burn, but the damage occurs from the inside out. Internal organs also may be involved. In severe cases,, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can be a life threatening condition.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome appears in different forms and goes by many different names.
- SJS is the common abbreviation for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
- Exfoliative Dermatitis is a generic description of the type of skin disease.
- Erythema Multiforme Minor is the milder form of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Known as EM-Minor or EM, this form includes acute skin eruptions, but usually does not involve the mucous membranes.
- EM Major, which is more technically Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) involves the mucous membranes, (most commonly the mouth and eyes) in addition to the skin. Usually fever and flu-like symptoms are present. Eye involvement is often quite serious, with blindness or other visual impairment resulting.
- TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) a/k/a Lyell's Syndrome is the most severe form of SJS. It is characterized by involvement of more than 25 percent of a patient's skin as well as eruptions of the mucous membranes (mucosa). In this form of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, the skin peels off in large sheets. Usually fever and feelings of ill-health are present. TEN resembles severe burn injuries all over the body and is fatal in up to one-third of cases.
- Other Names For SJS Include: Dermatostomatitis, Stevens Johnson Type; Ectodermosis Erosiva Pluriorificialis; Erythema Multiforme Exudativum; Erythema Polymorphe, Stevens Johnson Type; Lyell's Syndrome; Febrile Mucocutaneous Syndrome, Stevens Johnson Type; Johnson-Stevens Disease.
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