Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life-threatening mucocutaneous reaction marked by widespread epidermal cell death and skin detachment, usually involving more than 30% of body surface area. It is most often triggered by medication.

Stevens–Johnson syndrome: A severe mucocutaneous reaction with epidermal detachment involving less than 10% of body surface area. It lies at the less extensive end of the same disease spectrum.
Body surface area: The proportion of the body's external skin area affected by a condition or injury. Detachment exceeding 30% distinguishes this condition from less extensive epidermal necrolysis.
RegiSCAR: A European registry and classification system for severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Its criteria support consistent diagnosis and classification of suspected cases.
Sepsis: Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. Loss of the skin barrier raises infection risk, including progression to sepsis.
Keratinocyte apoptosis: Programmed cell death in keratinocytes, the predominant cells of the epidermis. Extensive keratinocyte death produces the characteristic full-thickness epidermal loss.
Epidermis: The outermost layer of skin, forming a protective barrier over the body. The defining tissue damage occurs across this skin layer.
ALDEN score: A structured method for assessing whether a medication caused epidermal necrolysis. It helps identify the most likely culprit drug after an episode.
Ocular cicatricial disease: Scarring and surface damage of the eye caused by chronic inflammation or injury. Acute ocular involvement can leave chronic scarring and visual impairment.
Granulysin: A cytolytic protein released by immune cells that can kill target cells. High granulysin levels in blister fluid contribute to widespread epidermal injury.
Mucosal lesion: Damage to the moist lining of sites such as the mouth, eyes, and genitals. Mucosal involvement commonly accompanies the widespread skin eruption.

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