Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a disorder that may occur after taking a medication or during an infection.

It causes the body to develop a painful red/purplish rash withblisters. Afterwards, the top layer of skin sloughs off. A person may initially develop flutype symptoms for several days before progressing to facial or tongue swelling along with the rash. The severe shedding rash also affects mucous membranes in the mouth, nose and eyes and must immediately be evaluated and cared for by medical practitioners. Signs and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:

Facial swelling Tongue swelling Hives Skin pain A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days 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 When to see a doctor Stevens-Johnson syndrome requires immediate medical attention. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

Unexplained widespread skin pain Facial swelling

Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes Hives Tongue swelling A red or purple skin rash that spreads Shedding of your skin Causes The exact cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome can't always be identified. Usually, the condition is an allergic reaction in response to medication, infection or illness. Medication causes Medications are most often the cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Drugs commonly associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:

Anti-gout medications, such as allopurinol Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often used to treat pain Penicillins, which are used to treat infections Anticonvulsants, which are used to treat seizures Infectious causes Infections that can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:

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

Other causes In some cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome may be caused by physical stimuli, such as radiation therapy or ultraviolet light. Risk factors Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare and unpredictable reaction. No test is available to help predict who is at risk. Some factors, however, may increase your risk of developing StevensJohnson syndrome, including:

Existing medical conditions. Viral infections, diseases that decrease your immunity, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and systemic lupus erythematosus a chronic inflammatory disease increase your risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Genetics. Carrying a gene called HLA-B12 may make you more susceptible to StevensJohnson syndrome. Possible complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:

Secondary skin infection (cellulitis). This acute infection of your skin can lead to lifethreatening complications, including meningitis an infection of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord and sepsis.

Sepsis. Sepsis occurs when bacteria from a massive infection enter your bloodstream and spread throughout your body. Sepsis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause shock and organ failure. Eye problems. The rash caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome can lead to inflammation in your eyes. In mild cases, this may cause irritation and dry eyes. In severe cases, it can lead to extensive tissue damage and scarring within your eyes that can result in blindness. Damage to internal organs. Stevens-Johnson syndrome can cause lesions on your internal organs, which can result in inflammation of your lungs (pneumonitis), heart (myocarditis), kidney (nephritis) and liver (hepatitis).

Permanent skin damage. When your skin grows back following Stevens-Johnson syndrome, it may have abnormal bumps and coloring (pigmentation). Scars may remain on your skin, as well. Lasting skin problems may cause your hair to fall out, and your fingernails and toenails may not grow normally.