Stevens–Johnson syndrome

Stevens–Johnson syndrome is a rare, life-threatening reaction, usually to medication, that causes painful skin lesions and blistering or erosion of mucous membranes. It belongs to a spectrum of severe skin reactions distinguished by the extent of skin detachment.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity: An adverse immune reaction triggered by a medication, ranging from mild eruptions to severe systemic illness. Most cases begin when immune recognition of a medication or its metabolites triggers tissue injury.
Drug provocation test: A supervised exposure to a medication used to assess whether it causes an adverse reaction. Re-exposure to a suspected culprit drug is generally avoided after this life-threatening reaction.
Sulfonamide antibiotics: A class of antibiotics containing a sulfonamide group, including sulfamethoxazole. Sulfonamide antibiotics were among the early recognized medication triggers.
Erythema multiforme: An acute skin disorder often marked by target-shaped lesions, commonly following infection. Its typical lesions and causes differ from those of medication-associated epidermal necrolysis.
Sepsis: Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. Loss of the skin barrier can permit infection and contribute to severe systemic illness.
Cytotoxic T cell: An immune cell that kills infected, malignant, or otherwise targeted cells. These cells drive much of the epidermal cell death in the syndrome.
Drug-induced liver injury: Liver damage caused by exposure to a medication or other drug. Medication review must account for serious reactions beyond the skin.
Allopurinol: A medication that lowers uric acid production to prevent gout and related conditions. It is a well-established cause of severe cutaneous reactions, including this syndrome.
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: A toxin-mediated skin disorder caused by Staphylococcus aureus, primarily affecting young children. It can resemble widespread skin peeling, but usually spares mucous membranes.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: The regulation of water and dissolved minerals needed for normal bodily function. Extensive skin injury can cause major fluid loss and electrolyte disturbances.

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