What should you know about SJS fever?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a serious reaction that can affect skin and areas such as the eyes, mouth and genitals. Fever may occur before or alongside feeling unwell, a sore throat, burning eyes or a tender red or dusky rash. Fever alone has many possible causes, so it does not identify Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Concern rises when fever accompanies a rapidly spreading, painful rash, blisters, peeling or new sores.

If fever occurs with a new painful rash or lining sores, seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for the rash to settle. Bring a list of medicines started or changed recently and note when the fever and skin symptoms began. Do not apply unfamiliar creams to blistered or peeling skin. Keep drinking if you can swallow safely, but do not delay emergency help because of home care.

Call emergency services or attend an emergency department for fever with skin peeling, blisters, severe skin pain, mouth sores that make swallowing difficult, eye pain, breathing difficulty, confusion, faintness or marked weakness. Rapid progression is especially concerning because this reaction can damage protective skin and moist linings.

Ask whether a recent medicine or infection could explain the combination of fever and rash, which symptoms should prompt immediate return, and whether an eye examination or other specialist review is needed.