What should you know about a history of Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe immune reaction that can affect the skin and moist linings of the eyes, mouth and genitals. It often begins with feeling unwell, fever or skin pain, followed by a spreading rash, blisters or peeling. A past diagnosis matters even when the skin has healed, because the suspected medicine or infection trigger should remain part of your medical record.

Keep discharge letters, medicine names and allergy documentation together. A drug rash can have a different severity and cause, so do not label every future rash as Stevens-Johnson syndrome without assessment.

Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist about the previous episode before starting a medicine. Ask which medicines should be avoided and whether a written allergy record or medical alert identification is appropriate. Never restart a suspected trigger on your own, including a medicine that was stopped years ago.

If a new prescription is needed, provide the exact name of the suspected trigger and describe when the earlier reaction occurred. Keep a current medicine list and seek advice before using non-prescription products.

Seek emergency medical care for a rapidly spreading or painful rash, blisters, peeling skin, sores in the mouth or eyes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, facial swelling, or a fever with a new medicine. Do not wait for the rash to become extensive. Take the medicine packaging or a current list with you if it is safe to do so.

Which medicine or illness was thought to trigger my episode? Which related medicines should I avoid? What symptoms should prompt emergency care if I need a new treatment? How should this allergy be documented for future prescriptions?