Therapy | Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Therapy

If Stevens-Johnson syndrome has arisen from taking a new drug, it should be stopped immediately. In general, the triggering cause should be avoided if it is known and the possibility exists. Intensive therapy is similar to the treatment of burns: fluid is given, the wounds are treated and, if necessary, consequences such as blood poisoning (sepsis) or bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. The administration of drugs that dampen the immune system, such as cortisone, is controversial and is not generally used. In individual cases, other treatment options may of course be used.

Duration

There is no general rule on how long Stevens-Johnson syndrome lasts. The duration depends mainly on how quickly the treatment is initiated and how well the therapy works. As a rule, a few days to weeks can be expected.

What is the course?

The affected patients very often suffer from a very strong feeling of illness and are very seriously ill. Therefore it is important to diagnose Stevens-Johnson syndrome at an early stage and to treat it immediately. In some cases the disease can also take a very severe course. This severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

What is the prognosis?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a very serious disease. It can take a very severe course in some cases.Depending on the severity of the disease, the probability of dying from the disease ranges from 6% in the mild form to 50% in the severe form (toxic epidermal necrolysis).

What can be the late effects?

Usually the disease heals without scarring. It is important that the wound surfaces are not manipulated, such as scratched. The wound surfaces should also be treated and cared for regularly to prevent scarring.

Is it contagious?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is not contagious. In this rare disease, the immune system of a few people overreacts, which is why this disease occurs. Infectious diseases are usually caused by a bacterial or viral pathogen. This is not the case with Stevens-Johnson syndrome.