Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious skin reaction that's usually caused by taking certain medicines. It needs to be treated immediately in hospital.
Severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome is sometimes called toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is often caused by your body reacting to certain medicines, particularly some types of:
- epilepsy medicines
- antibiotics
- anti-inflammatory painkillers
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can start with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, sore throat, cough and joint pain.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:
- has a circular rash that's darker in the middle and lighter around the outside after having an infection or starting a new medicine
- has a rash and the skin is itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling
- is wheezing
- has tightness in the chest or throat
- is having trouble breathing or talking
- has a swollen mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat
These may be signs of a serious reaction like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is treated in hospital, often in an intensive care unit.
Without treatment, the symptoms can become life-threatening.
If it's thought Stevens-Johnson syndrome is being caused by a medicine you're taking, the medicine will be stopped.
You'll have treatment to relieve your symptoms, which may include:
- fluids into a vein to prevent dehydration
- creams and dressings to moisturise and protect the skin
- strong painkillers to help ease any pain
- medicines to control inflammation and prevent infection
It may take several weeks or months for you to fully recover from Stevens-Johnson syndrome. It's likely you'll feel very tired for a few weeks after leaving hospital.
Your skin will usually take about 2 or 3 weeks to heal, but it can sometimes take longer if you get a skin infection.
If your symptoms were caused by a reaction to a medicine, you'll need to avoid taking that medicine (and possibly other similar ones) for the rest of your life. Your doctor will be able to discuss this with you.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can cause serious complications including:
- skin problems like a skin infection, changes in skin colour and scarring
- problems with organs, such as the lungs, liver and kidneys
- eye problems, such as long-term inflammation or sight problems
- problems with the vagina or penis caused by scarring