Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane leading to the red or purplish rash. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is often an unwanted gift of conventional drugs. One of the major groups of drugs is pain killer medicines which are often bought over the counter such as Paracetamol, NSAD, etc.

Causes of Stevens-Johnson syndrome

The exact cause is not fully understood. However, it is considered that it is a specific type of allergic reaction to medications or infections. Medications:

• NSAID
• Cox-2 inhibitors
• Sulfonamides or penicillin for infections
• Anticonvulsants

Infections:

• Herpes (simplex or zoster)
• Influenza
• HIV
• Diphtheria
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis

Rare causes:

The physical stimulus is given by UV rays or radiation therapy.

Others:

Existing medical conditions that lower the immunity of the body for e.g. HIV or SLE increase the risk for this syndrome.

Genetic:

Carrying a gene called HLAB12 may make you susceptible to SJS.

Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome

• Facial swelling
• Tongue swelling
• Hives
• Skin pain
• A red or purple skin rash that spreads
• Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose, and eyes
• Shedding (sloughing) of your skin

If you have Stevens-Johnson syndrome, several days before the rash develops, you may experience Fever, Sore throat, Cough, Burning eyes.

Diagnosis

• Clinical findings
• Biopsy

Complications

• Secondary skin infections for example meningitis.
• Sepsis, when the bacteria travel through the bloodstream throughout the body.
• Eye problems: When the rash involves the eye. This may lead to blindness as well in certain cases.
• Damage to internal organs: for e.g. the SJS can lead to severe inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis), lungs (pneumonitis), etc
• Permanent skin damage.

Conventional Treatment

• To discontinue the medications causing this.
• Pain killers.
• Antibiotics to control infection.
• In severe cases immunoglobulin intravenous to halt the further process.
• Fluid replacement: loss of skin may lead to loss of fluids from the body.
• Skin grafting.

Homeopathic Treatment for Steven Johnson Syndrome

We have treated and documented some cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome at Life Force. We have recorded significant symptomatic relief in such cases. We would like to undertake and study more cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Homeopathy is strongly recommended for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.