Guide To The Symptoms Of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is a serious condition! The most common cause of this condition is related to medications that a patient is taking. Typically, this is reacting to a new medication or an increased dose of a current one. The reaction occurs up to two weeks after taking the medication. Common medications that cause this condition include pain medications, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and medications to treat gout! Infections such as HIV and pneumonia are the next common causes of this condition.

Emergency hospitalization is a common Stevens-Johnson syndrome treatment, and nonessential medications must be stopped immediately! Patients need fluid replacement too. Medication for Stevens-Johnson syndrome include antibiotics, topical steroids, and pain medication! New lifestyle habits act as natural remedies for Stevens-Johnson syndrome. They also prevent future episodes!

Skin Rash

A rash on the skin is the most characteristic symptom of Stevens-Johnson syndrome! It is also the most severe, due to the way the skin gets damaged. Patients will have reddened skin in at least one part of their body. Red and raised spots are quite common! These spots are also called macules.

A rash caused by this condition spreads rapidly. It appears the most often on the face and upper chest. The rash is also commonly seen on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet! It will often look like a target on the skin. Pain and itching often occur as well.

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Fever

The first sign of this condition is a fever. It means an individual's internal temperature is elevated! However, most patients believe this symptom is due to another issue at first. They realize it is Stevens-Johnson syndrome when the rash appears! The fever starts one to three days before the appearance of the rash. Flu-like symptoms accompany it for this time.

Doctors recommend that patients stay home and rest when they have a fever. They need to seek medical attention when it rises over 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Patients also need to call their doctor and obtain treatment when other serious symptoms appear alongside their fever!

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Blisters

Blisters appear after the rash develops in this condition! They most often form on top of the rash itself, leading to skin erosion. However, blisters that appear due to this condition are not always limited to the skin. The mucous membranes get blisters on them as well! Blisters also appear on the lining of the patient's mouth. Their lips get these blisters as well. This is painful, especially when the blisters erupt and bleed! Patients will find it harder to eat. The blisters also form on the urinary tract, making it harder to urinate!

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Sore Throat And Mouth

A sore throat and mouth are common early signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. A major reason for this is the blisters that will appear on the lips and lining of the mouth. The throat and mouth will get sore when the mucous membranes become involved in this condition as well. Although the symptoms can stay mild, most patients will experience a severely sore throat and mouth. These symptoms increases in severity quickly! Typically, the rash will appear before this pair of symptoms. However, some patients with this condition will have a sore throat even before the skin rash occurs!

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Widespread Skin Pain

Patients with this condition will experience significant and widespread skin pain. Their rash will first start to itch. After this, it escalates into burning and stinging! Blisters in this condition are quite painful too. This is especially the case when they burst! Infections are common when blisters burst, and these are painful as well. Patients will have blisters and rashes on approximately ten percent of their skin. Open wounds occur on the same amount of skin!

Thankfully, treatment is effective for this symptom. Patients are prescribed pain medication. Cool compresses are also effective at relieving pain! They remove dead skin and clean the affected area well. Anesthetic mouthwashes help blisters in the mouth!