Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treatment

The goals of treating Stevens Johnson Syndrome include controlling the underlying causes or illnesses, prevention of infection and treatment of the symptoms. Any suspected medications such as Motrin, Bextra or other medications should be discontinued.

Sufficient hygiene and isolation from others may be required to prevent secondary infections. Extensive skin involvement may cause the loss of large quantities of body fluids, causing shock in addition to the risk of infection. Intensive care in support of the body systems may be required. In cases in which large areas of the body are affected, skin grafting may be helpful. Daily antiviral medications may be prescribed to prevent recurrences of erythema multiforme in cases that are caused by the herpes virus.

Stevens Johnson Prognosis

Mild forms of erythema multiforme usually resolve without difficulty in a 2 - 6 week period, but they may recur. Severe forms may be difficult to treat. Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are associated with high death rates.

Severe SJS symptoms treatment may include:

• Systemic corticosteroids to control inflammation
• Antibiotics to control secondary skin infections
• Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) to stop the process
• Hospitalization and treatment in an intensive care or burn care unit for severe cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis

Mild SJS symptoms treatment may include:

• Antihistamine medications to control itching
• Moist compresses applied to skin lesions
• Topical anesthetics (especially for mouth lesions) to ease discomfort that interferes with eating and drinking
• Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) to reduce discomfort and fever