Stevens - Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane leading to the red or purplish rash. Stevens - Johnson syndrome is often an unwanted gift of the conventional drugs. One of the major groups of drugs is pain killer medicines which are often bought over the counter such as Paracetamol, NSAD, etc.

Causes :

The exact cause is not fully understood. However, it is considered that it is a specific type of allergic reaction to medications or infections. Medications:

• NSAID
• Cox-2 inhibitors
• Sulfonamides or penicillin for infections
• Anticonvulsants

Infections:

• Herpes (simplex or zoster)
• Influenza
• HIV
• Diphtheria
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis

Rare causes:

Physical stimulus given by UV rays or radiation therapy.

Others:

Existing medical conditions which lower the immunity of the body for e.g. HIV or SLE increase the risk for this syndrome.

Genetic:

Carrying a gene called HLAB12 may make you susceptible to SJS.

Symptoms :

• Facial swelling
• Tongue swelling
• Hives
• Skin pain
• A red or purple skin rash that spreads
• Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose and eyes
• Shedding (sloughing) of your skin

If you have Stevens-Johnson syndrome, several days before the rash develops, you may experience: Fever, Sore throat, Cough, Burning eyes.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical findings
• Biopsy

Complications:

• Secondary skin infections for example meningitis.
• Sepsis, when the bacteria travel through the blood stream throughout the body.
• Eye problems: When the rash involves the eye. This may lead to blindness as well in certain cases.
• Damage to internal organs: for e.g. the SJS can lead to severe inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis), lungs (pneumonitis) etc
• Permanent skin damage.

Homoeopathic Treatment :

Homoeopathy is strongly recommended for Stevens - Johnson Syndrome.

Homoeopathic Medicine:

• Apis mellifica: For skin rashes that feel hot and dry and are sensitive to touch; may be accompanied by sore throat. Symptoms are relieved by cool drinks and baths and worsened by heat and warm liquids. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who often feel sad, disappointed, or even depressed. They tend to cry easily, but may also be irritable and envious by nature. They are also not thirsty but may crave milk.
• Calendula: For burns and skin lesions that are fairly superficial. This remedy is often used after the acute phase of the skin condition has subsided to aid in complete recovery.
• Rhus toxicodendron: Used for blisters and vesicles accompanied by intense itching that worsens at night and improves with the application of heat. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are generally restless and unable to get comfortable at night.
• Sulphur: For skin disorders that are accompanied by fever and intense itching. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are thirsty, irritable while sick, lazy, and messy under ordinary circumstances, and who describe a sensation of internal heat and burning. Symptoms tend to improve with open, cold air and worsen with warmth.
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