Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious disorder that affects your skin and mucus membranes. It is a medical condition and requires immediate hospitalisation.

 

1. What causes SJS?

SJS is a rare and unpredictable illness that is caused by an infection or an allergic reaction to medication. It produces a painful red or purplish rash and causes blisters to form on the skin and in mucus membranes.

 

2. Symptoms to be aware of:

Symptoms vary from a fever to hives and many of them can develop before the rash.

Before rash:

  • Cough
  • Burning eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Sore mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Fever

Other

  • Skin shedding
  • Tongue and facial swelling
  • Skin pain
  • Red or purple rash
  • Blisters on the skin and mucus membranes

 

3. When should you see a doctor? 

It is important you seek medical attention as soon as you or your little one experiences any of the following:

  • Facial swelling
  • Hives
  • Tongue swelling
  • Skin pain
  • Red or purplish rash
  • Blisters on your skin or mucus membranes

4. Complications caused by SJS:

As with all infections, complications and long-term issues may arise and it is important you are aware of them. However, you should also keep in mind that every child is different and not everyone will suffer the same long-term effects.

  • Cellulitis
  • Sepsis
  • Eye problems including inflammation and even scarring
  • Inflammation of the lungs, kidneys, heart or liver (although this is rare)
  • Scars on the skin
  • Abnormal bumps or colouring on the skin

5. Recovery time:

Recovering time after developing SJS can be a long process taking the patient anywhere from between a few weeks to a few months to get over.

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