What Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome? Symptoms and Causes

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare condition that is a severe reaction of the skin and mucous membranes. This can lead to potentially life-threatening complications and serious health problems. SJS is characterized by blisters, sores, and rashes on the skin and mucous membranes, usually caused by the use of drugs or infections. In this article we have written for you, we will examine what Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is, its causes and symptoms.

What Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare and serious condition characterized by the formation of painful rashes and sores on the skin and mucous membranes. This syndrome causes the upper layers of the skin to separate from the lower layers, resulting in severe pain and discomfort. SJS is a reaction that usually occurs due to medications or infections, and if not treated quickly, it can damage vital organs and be fatal.

What Causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Although the exact cause of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is unknown, it is thought to occur due to medications or infections in most cases. Medications that can cause SJS include antibiotics, anticonvulsants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antiretroviral drugs.

Some infections can also cause SJS. In particular, viral infections such as herpes, influenza, HIV and hepatitis can contribute to the development of this syndrome. It is also thought that genetic factors and problems with the immune system may also lead to SJS.

What Are the Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome are usually of sudden onset and may include;

• Fever and chills,
• Weakness and general discomfort,
• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing,
• Red or purple rashes, especially on the face and trunk,
• Blisters and sores, especially around the mouth, nose, eyes, genital area and anus,
• Peeling and crusting on the skin,
• Burning, itching and irritation in the eyes,
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain,

It is important for people with suspected Stevens-Johnson Syndrome to seek medical attention quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and maintain a patient’s quality of life.

How Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Diagnosed?

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious and rare skin and mucous membrane disease. It usually develops due to drugs or infections and is manifested by blisters on the skin, rashes and sores on the mucous membranes. The diagnostic process begins with the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

First, the doctor evaluates the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Symptoms of SJS include fever, malaise, red or purple rash, blisters on the skin, and sores on the mucous membranes. In addition, the patients’ recent medications and past infections are also taken into consideration.

During the physical examination, the doctor carefully examines the skin and mucous membranes, checking for the presence of lesions specific to SJS. These lesions are usually symmetrically distributed throughout the body and are initially red or purple in color, eventually becoming blisters and sores.

Some laboratory tests and biopsies may be done to confirm the diagnosis. While blood tests show signs of infection or inflammation in the body, a tissue sample taken with a skin biopsy can be examined under a microscope to detect cellular changes caused by SJS.

Finally, it is important to distinguish SJS from other skin diseases. Other diseases with similar manifestations include toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), erythema multiforme, and drug reaction and eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. Therefore, doctors make a careful evaluation by considering these diseases before making a diagnosis.

2- What are the Risk Groups That May Be Affected by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Although Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can be seen in all age groups and genders, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing this disease. The risk groups that are more prone to SJS are;

• People with a family history of SJS have a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Certain medications, especially antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase the risk of SJS.
• People who have had viral infections, especially herpes, HIV, and hepatitis, have a higher risk of SJS.
• Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases can increase the risk of developing SJS.
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can increase susceptibility to drugs and infections that can lead to SJS.

How Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Treated?

The treatment for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome varies depending on the cause of the disease, its severity, and the general health of the patient. The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and improve the patient’s quality of life. The methods used in the treatment of SJS are as follows;

• Because SJS is a serious and life-threatening disease, patients are often treated in an intensive care unit or burn center.
• The drug identified as the cause of SJS is discontinued immediately and an alternative treatment is prescribed to the patient.
• Painkillers and antihistamine drugs help relieve the patient’s symptoms such as pain and itching.
• Patients who experience dehydration due to skin lesions receive fluids and electrolytes intravenously.
• Antibiotics and antiviral drugs are used for the prevention and treatment of infections.
• Cleaning wounds and blisters reduces the risk of infection and speeds up the healing process. Sterile dressings and ointments are used in wound care.
• In some cases, corticosteroid medications may be prescribed to control severe inflammation and allergic reactions. However, the use of these drugs is controversial and requires careful evaluation by the physician.
• In some patients, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy can stop the progression of SJS by modulating the immune system.
• In patients with severe skin damage, the healing process can be supported using skin grafts or biological membranes.

The treatment of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach and is led by dermatologists, ophthalmologists, infectious disease specialists and other specialists. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the patient’s chance of recovery and preserves their quality of life.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.