What should you know about SJS Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

SJS can begin with fever, tiredness, sore throat or burning skin before a painful red or dusky rash appears. Blisters, peeling and raw skin may follow. The lips, mouth, eyes and genital area can develop erosions, making eating, drinking, urinating or seeing painful. A drug rash can be an early alternative explanation, but a rapidly worsening painful eruption with mucosal involvement must be treated as an emergency until assessed.

Doctors review recent medicines, examine the skin and mucous membranes, and may use a skin sample or other tests. Hospital care focuses on fluids, wound care, pain relief, infection prevention and monitoring of affected organs.

Go to an emergency department immediately if SJS is suspected. Bring every medicine and supplement, including recently stopped products, with their start dates if known. Do not self-treat with leftover medicines or restart a suspected trigger. The treating team will decide which medicines to stop and whether specialist input, including oral corticosteroid treatment, is appropriate for the individual case.

Emergency help is needed for a painful spreading rash, blisters, peeling skin, mouth or eye sores, fever with a new eruption, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, confusion or reduced urine. Eye pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision should be reported without delay.

Ask which medicine may have triggered the reaction, how it will be documented, whether close contacts need advice, what organ monitoring is planned, and which symptoms after discharge require immediate return to hospital. Request a written list of medicines to avoid.