What should you know about signs and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Early symptoms may include fever, tiredness, sore throat, cough, burning eyes or body aches. A tender red or dusky rash can then spread, with blisters, skin peeling or raw areas. The mouth, lips, eyes and genital area may develop painful sores; swallowing, urination or opening the eyes can become difficult. This condition can resemble a severe drug rash, but appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. It may follow a medicine or, less often, an infection, and the timing of recent exposures matters.

If this pattern is developing, stop delaying care and seek emergency evaluation. Take the medicine packets or a current list of medicines, supplements and recent treatments with you. Do not restart a suspected new medicine unless a treating clinician specifically tells you to. Avoid applying new creams or breaking blisters while waiting for assessment. Hospital care may involve fluids, wound care, pain relief, eye review and specialist treatment; oral corticosteroid treatment may be considered by clinicians in selected situations.

Treat a painful spreading rash with blisters, peeling skin, mouth or eye sores, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness or inability to drink as an emergency. Do not wait for the rash to become widespread. Eye pain or light sensitivity needs urgent attention because eye involvement can threaten vision.

Ask which recent medicine or infection could be relevant, which areas are involved, how your eyes and mouth will be protected, and which medicines must be recorded as suspected triggers. Ask how follow-up will address skin healing, eye symptoms and later medicine choices.