There are other drugs that have been associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and these include some other NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and sulfa antibiotics. This condition can sometimes - though not very often - is associated with bacterial infection, and in some cases there is no known cause for the beginning of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. However, the most common cause is through drug reactions.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can affect any age group. However, it occurs most commonly in the elderly, and this could be because parents are more likely to use drugs associated with disease and therefore collectively more at risk from this disease. People who have AIDS are also at increased risk of contracting Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Those in high risk groups are urged to remain vigilant for signs of skin disease, and also advised to keep well informed about the symptoms that can indicate the presence or onset of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Symptoms:
Both Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis can start with non-specific symptoms such as cough, pain, headache, and feverishness. This may be followed by a red rash on the face and torso, which can continue to spread to other parts of the body. The rash can form into blisters, and blisters may form in areas such as eyes, mouth and vaginal area. Mucous membranes can become inflamed, and toxic epidermal necrolysis with a layer of skin can also come away easily and often skin peels away in sheets. Hair and nails can also come a long way in some cases, and sufferers can become cold and fever.
With toxic epidermal necrolysis most common cause of death is infection, which can enter through the affected area. This disease can leave the skin looking as if it had been burned, and areas where skin has been flayed away can seep profusely and quickly become infected.
Treating this disease:
Those who suffer from SJS or TEN were hospitalized, and if the cause of the problem drug then the drug stopped immediately. Surviving patients treated intravenously to replace lost fluids, and skin is left to re-grow your own. However, the chances of survival can be hit and miss depending on the level of damage and the rate of infection incurred by the patient.
It is vital that they are taking drugs that can cause skin diseases alert and able to identify danger signs associated with this problem. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis can be deadly, previously recognized symptoms and treatment can begin sooner.
Of course, those affected by drugs in this way - or the families of those who have passed from skin problems - is entitled to compensation against the manufacturer of the drug in question. Lawyers now specialize in this type of litigation, and those who feel as if they have reason to compensation are advised to go through an experienced drug litigation attorneys.
