JOHNSON-STEVENS DISEASE

Johnson-Stevens disease is an uncommon and dangerous skin and mucous membrane condition. It is frequently a drug response that begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses to an itchy rash that develops blisters. After a few days, the top layer of afflicted skin dies, sheds, and starts to mend.

The following medications are most likely to cause Johnson-Steven disease:

  • Sulfa antibacterial medications
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as piroxicam, nevirapine, and diclofenac 
  • Antibiotics
  • Drugs used to treat epilepsy, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and phenobarbital
  • Kidney stone and gout medication like Allopurinol

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Johnson-Stevens disease include:

  • Fever
  • Skin irritation
  • Cough
  • Red spots on the skin
  • Painful urination
  • Peeling skin
  • Skin blisters and sores
  • Unexplained skin discom

DIAGNOSIS

Doctors may use a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose Johnson-Steven disease, including:

  • Blood Test. A doctor may perform blood testing to verify the existence of infection and to rule out other reasons.
  • Oral or Skin Culture Test. A doctor may collect a skin or mouth culture from afflicted regions to test for the condition.
  • Skin Biopsy. A doctor may take a skin sample for a biopsy to indicate the existence of the condition. This test may confirm or refute the diagnosis.
  • Physical Examination. A physical exam is an easy technique to check for Johnson-Steven syndrome. If your rash has advanced, a doctor will often be able to spot the indications of the condition. They will look at how much skin is damaged, how rapidly a rash spreads, and how much discomfort you are experiencing. Doctors will also look at your medical history and drug history to help them diagnose.

TREATMENT

Johnson-Steven syndrome treatments usually involve:

  • Using non-adhesive dressings on the afflicted skin.
  • Providing medications for pain alleviation.
  • Consuming high-calorie meals to assist recovery, potentially by tube feeding.
  • Utilizing intravenous (IV) fluids to replace electrolytes.

Furthermore, if you have Johnson-Steven Syndrome and your doctor says a medicine caused it, avoid that prescription and others like it. This is critical in preventing any recurrence, which is frequently more severe than the first attack and may be deadly.

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