Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or SJS is a rare but serious disorder in which the skin and mucous membranes react to a medication or infection. The most common cause is an adverse allergic drug reaction. Sulfa drugs have often been implicated in SJS.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the symptoms and treatment of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and learn how it adversely affects the eyes.
Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Often, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome begins with flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms of SJS include:
- fever
- sore throat
- cough
- facial and tongue swelling
- hives
- skin pain
- rash
- blisters on mucous membranes
- shedding of skin
- burning eyes
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and the Eyes
Ocular problems sometimes involve the conjunctiva or surface of the eye. In mild cases, this may cause irritation and dry eyes. In more severe cases, there may be conjunctivitis (inflammation) or scarring of the conjunctiva.
SJS can also cause the following ocular complications:
- inflammation inside the eye (iritis)
- corneal blisters
- perforation
Unfortunately, these conditions can all lead to permanent vision loss.
Treating Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
There are no standard treatments for SJS. Care is mainly supportive, which means that the symptoms of the disorder are treated as they develop.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be life threatening. That’s why it’s imperative to seek medical attention as soon as signs of SJS appear. SJS requires hospitalization, often in an intensive care unit or a burn unit.
If the underlying cause of SJS can be eliminated and the skin reaction is stopped, it’s possible for new skin to grow over the affected area within days. In the most severe cases, full recovery can take several months.
Pain and vision loss cause by misalignment of eye lashes are just a few problems I have to endure.
I’m curious about this (I’m in VA). My neuro-ophthalmologist said I have low tear production to the point my eyelids scratch my eyes. I have chronic low Vit D & iron levels. allergic to sulfa, sulfites, sulfates, and at higher levels, my skin will react to sulfur in water (highly unusual to be allergic to all of them, but here I am). Have a dx of Ehlers-Danlos from a geneticist, (and some other odd and unusual dx). But what I’m most curious about is, I get Stephen’s-Johnathon’s syndrome from UV. I was tested and allergic to UV A, B, and C, which came on suddenly in my early 30’s (still have the issue in my mid-40’s) dx’d with uv tests and biopsy. I also get the reaction on my eyes. I have this reaction regardless of whether or not I’m on any meds. Have you seen this before and have you seen any correlation or causation between the reaction on the eye and MCAD, MCD, or EDS? I’m wondering because I constantly read research to try to figure all of this out, it make for a rather restrictive life if you’re used to being outside a lot and can’t even sit near windows)! Thanks in advance for any comments or thoughts! I appreciate your time and this post on your site!
Can a person who has this condition also lose body hair
Yes, a person with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (or the more severe Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) can lose their hair. Hair loss is a recognized long-term complication of the intense skin inflammation and damage caused by these conditions, with hair sometimes falling out weeks to months after the acute illness.