What it means
A medical emergency named after Albert Stevens and Frank Johnson, the American pediatricians who described it in 1922. It usually begins with fever and flu-like illness, then a painful red or purple rash spreads and blisters, and the top layer of skin and the linings of the mouth, eyes and genitals peel off. Common triggers are some antiseizure drugs, sulfa antibiotics, allopurinol and NSAIDs. When more than 30% of the skin is involved it is called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
For the nurse
Stop the suspected drug and report at once. Care is like that for a large burn: fluids, pain control, eye and mouth care, protecting the skin and preventing infection. Record the drug as a serious allergy, and teach the client never to take it again.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SJS; TEN (toxic epidermal necrolysis) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | síndrome de Stevens-Johnson |
| Also written | SJS |
Related terms
adverse effect
An unwanted and harmful effect of a drug or treatment given at a normal dose.
allergy
A reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
hypersensitivity
An overreaction of the immune system to a substance that is usually harmless.
blister
A raised bubble of skin filled with clear fluid.