Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Paper Summary:

This paper presents an overview of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, an extreme allergic reaction in the skin and mucous membranes to medication, disorders, or other chemical substances. The writer looks at the causes, the diagnosis, and the treatment methods associated with this potentially fatal reaction.

From the Paper:

"Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a hypersensitivity complex that is caused by a severe reaction to, often, medication, but can also be caused by viral infections. Most often occurring in the skin and mucous membranes, SJS causes inflammation, lesions, upper respiratory tract infection, and a host of other symptoms. While mortality is relatively low (3-15% of the most severe cases), it is significant. Those affected by SJS are generally below 40, have a history of malignancies, male and Caucasian. The lesions can become so significant that they can act like massive burns, causing severe fluid loss. Treatment includes the cessation of offending drugs, the use of steroids (in some cases), anesthetics and mouthwashes, and, in severe cases, isolation in a clean environment depending upon the extent of skin damage. Classified as an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity complex that is a severe expression of erythema multiforme."

More papers on Stevens-Johnson Syndrome:

• Essay # 71380 : "Dubin-Johnson Syndrome"
• Analytical Essay # 60598 : "Wallace Stevens' Poetry"
• Analytical Essay # 60886 : "Wallace Stevens: Archetypal Sexual Fissure"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: