What should you know about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome images?

Pictures may illustrate a painful dusky rash, areas where skin has lifted, or crusting around the lips. They may also show that the reaction affects more than the skin: mouth sores, red eyes, or genital soreness can occur. Early disease may look less dramatic than later disease, and lighting or skin tone can change how it appears.

A similar-looking eruption may have another explanation, including a drug rash, infection, or inflammatory skin condition. The timing of medicines, fever, pain, skin tenderness, and mucosal symptoms matters more than matching a picture online.

Seek emergency care if a new painful rash is spreading, especially after starting or changing a medicine. Keep a list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements, with the dates they were started. Do not scratch, peel, or cover fragile areas with adhesive dressings.

If safe to do so, a dated photograph can help clinicians understand how the eruption changed, but taking pictures must not delay care. Tell the team about eye discomfort, mouth pain, swallowing difficulty, or reduced urine.

Get immediate help for blisters or peeling, severe skin pain, fever with a spreading eruption, eye pain or light sensitivity, mouth sores that limit drinking, breathing difficulty, faintness, or reduced urination. Hospital care may be needed to support affected skin and organs.

What findings distinguish this eruption from a less severe drug rash? Which medicines should be avoided now? Should an eye specialist or another clinician examine me? What skin and mouth care is appropriate during recovery?