{"id":5205,"date":"2019-03-20T13:18:20","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T13:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=5205"},"modified":"2019-11-05T15:20:08","modified_gmt":"2019-11-05T15:20:08","slug":"12-symptoms-of-steven-johnson-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/12-symptoms-of-steven-johnson-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a serious condition that affects the skin, genitals, eyes, and mucous membrane. While it is rare, it is highly important to be on the lookout for symptoms so that you can intervene as soon as they rear their head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mucous membrane is, of course, the layer of tissue lining the digestive system. This travels all the way from the mouth to the anus and can also be found inside the genital tract and even the eyeballs. This layer produces the sticky substance known as mucus, which can act as a lubricant and help to drive out unwanted infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stevens-Johnson syndrome results from an adverse reaction to medications or infection and can cause a number of serious symptoms that may take months to heal. It is considered a medical emergency, requiring a hospital stay, and should be treated right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure that you get the help you need should symptoms arise, read on to learn 8 of the most common signs of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Tiredness, Lethargy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first sign of Stevens-Johnson\u2019s syndrome is the appearance of flu-like symptoms. These include such things as tiredness, achiness, lethargy, and a general feeling of being \u2018unwell\u2019. Flu-like symptoms are commonly associated with a wide range of conditions, infections, and other issues \u2013 not only flu!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Normally, however, the experience of flu symptoms will only last for the first stage of the condition and will subside after just a few days. You might also notice that you get a cough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These symptoms are in part the result of the body\u2019s immune system going into overdrive and attempting to force out the infection or toxins. This results in swelling, joint pain (caused by the inflammation), tiredness (as energy is redirected elsewhere) and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to rest during this stage and to see what develops from the initial symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Headache and Brain Fog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Along with flu-like symptoms, it is also common to experience a headache and brain fog in response to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. This is due to the production of \u2018pro-inflammatory cytokines\u2019. These substances are part of the immune response – and as the name suggests they are responsible for increasing inflammation and thereby helping to make the environment of your body less hospitable to invaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this can cause obvious side effects such as joint pain and tiredness, the swelling also leads to other less obvious symptoms \u2013 including brain fog and tiredness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is that inflammation can also occur in the brain. When pro-inflammatory cytokines affect the brain, they can cause grogginess and make it difficult to think. This is why we often don\u2019t have much motivation when we\u2019re ill \u2013 and it might even be one of the causes of depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Fever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fever is another symptom associated with the flu which occurs as a result of any potential foreign invader. Keep in mind that in children, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is normally triggered by viral infections such as the mumps, flu, or herpes-simplex. In adults, it is often an adverse reaction to the medication, though it can also be caused by a bacterial infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And remember as well, that the mucous layer is not only important for lubrication but is also a key part of the immune system \u2013 responsible for keeping invaders out, and for maintaining optimal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should come as no surprise then that the immune response is one of the most obvious reactions to this condition. Don\u2019t worry though \u2013 fever in itself is actually not dangerous but is rather an important means of helping to treat the condition that triggered the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Rash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first sign that you might have something other than the simple flu, however, is likely the appearance of a rash. This will normally first show up after a few days of the initial symptoms, and will typically look like individual blemishes. These might look darker in the middle and lighter around the outside. They can also appear quite large and spaced apart, to the extent that they might look like individual sores rather than a single rash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As this rash progresses, it can become more unpleasant. Facial swelling is also common \u2013 which is another adverse reaction associated with the immune response \u2013 and the lips, in particular, will often become covered in crusty sores. Remember: the lips are also a part of the mucous membrane!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, you won\u2019t find that the rash is itchy or painful \u2013 but it can be uncomfortable and certainly unsightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Blisters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you will be dealing with a visible rash on the outside of your body, the inside won\u2019t necessarily be fairing much better. Here, it is common to find yourself developing blisters that cover the entire inside of the mucous membrane. This can also lead to stomach pain and other issues such as reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain on the inside of the mouth and elsewhere is perhaps the most noticeable and this can make a number of regular activities difficult as we will see in a moment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice these symptoms, then at this point it is likely time to see a doctor and to get treatment. If the condition is left untreated, then it can eventually be lethal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Vision Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vision issues can also occur as a result of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This occurs because small blisters have now even made their way to the eyes. This is not surprising, given that the eyes actually make up part of the mucous membrane. You might also find that your eyes look red and bloodshot, or potentially watery. They might be uncomfortable and sore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The combination of these factors means that Stevens-Johnson syndrome is quite a difficult condition to miss, and it\u2019s one that can leave you feeling not only very uncomfortable and painful but also unattractive. In fact, in some cases treatment will be carried out at intensive care or burns units \u2013 such is the severity of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Peeling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over time, the rash on the exterior of the skin will begin to change color. It is often either purple or red, but over time it might change color entirely. At this point, it can start to die off and dry. It\u2019s okay to gently pick at the dead skin at this point \u2013 though check with your doctor and make sure of this first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eventually, all the blisters and rashes should entirely peel off. However, this can take a while, and you will be left with raw skin underneath that can potentially take months to fully heal. Not only that but in some cases, it is also possible to notice complications \u2013 for instance the skin might be a different color underneath, resulting in an uneven skin tone. While it\u2019s less common, it\u2019s also possible that the skin will be left with scars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important not to try and pick the skin early for this reason. This can also potentially lead to a secondary skin infection, such as cellulitis, which is a serious complication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Pain Swallowing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most unpleasant aspects of this experience is that it can lead to difficulty and pain when swallowing. This is can, in turn, cause major difficulty in swallowing \u2013 both when eating and when drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That, in turn, can then lead to more complications, such as dehydration, and potentially weight loss. Dehydration, in particular, is a very serious issue when combined with a temperature and considering that frequently drinking is one of the most important ways to keep flushing the body of infection and toxins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some things you can do to ease the sensation of swallowing. Try to eat soft, cool, and unflavoured foods. Very sweet or salty things can hurt the ulcers inside your mouth, whereas bland drinks like almond milk might be very soothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, try to keep drinking lots of cold water even if it hurts. Sucking on an ice cube can be a useful way to ease the pain, to get some relief from the numbing effect, and also to keep yourself hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, this aspect of the condition should pass after a short while with treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Steven Johnson Syndrome can cause secondary symptoms to occur as well. One such secondary symptom that a person who has Steven Johnson Syndrome may suffer from is weight loss. A person who is suffering from the syndrome may experience weight loss for several reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have Steven Johnson Syndrome you are likely to have trouble swallowing. When it hurts to swallow you are automatically going to eat less. When you are not eating as much, chances are high that you are going to lose weight. This symptom of the disease may seem like it is not a bad thing, especially if you are currently overweight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this form of weight loss is not healthy. If you are having difficulty swallowing and have some of the other symptoms on this list and notice that you are starting to lose weight, it is important to make sure that you see you, doctor, right away.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Difficulty Eating<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, there are several secondary symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome. One of these comes in the form of not being able to eat. When it comes to this syndrome it is not just swallowing that becomes hard to do. With this syndrome, it can be difficult to even put food in your mouth. Chewing can be quite difficult as the mouth will be very sore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At times, even eating the softest of foods such as yogurt or applesauce can be difficult because it will be hard to even open up the mouth. When you are unable to open up your mouth you are not going to be eating much. This can cause all sorts of health issues including unwanted weight loss. It is important to make sure that you seek treatment for Steven Johnson Syndrome right away in order to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients that it needs and further health issues do not arise.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Depression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person is suffering from any type of illness it can lead to the person becoming depressed. There are many reasons that this may occur. One of the reasons that a person suffering from Steven Johnson Syndrome may become depressed is because they are trying to live with severe pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not to mention the intense toll the syndrome takes on the body. Having a mouth full of painful blisters can be difficult to deal with, which may cause a person to become depressed. In addition, when the person is not getting the proper nutrition that the body needs, it can cause areas to shut down. This can lead to severe depression as a person is unable to fight off the infection. Overall, depression can be another secondary symptom of this syndrome as the disease takes over the body and the person has difficulty fighting it off.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Dehydration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person is suffering from Steven Johnson Syndrome, the sores that appear inside of the mouth can make it quite difficult to eat and drink. The sores can become so severe that a person may stop eating and drinking altogether. When a person is not eating or drinking it can cause them to become dehydrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can occur quite quickly. If you are suffering from Steven Johnson Syndrome it is important to make sure that you are at least sipping on some water every fifteen minutes or so. This will help your body stay hydrated. If you become dehydrated as a result of this disease it can lead to a host of other health issues. Many people may need to go to the hospital in order to be provided with IV fluids so that they remain hydrated and able to fight off the disease.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Insomnia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons that a person may suffer from insomnia. Some people just have difficulty sleeping and wake up in the middle of the night unable to return to sleep. While insomnia may not seem like a big deal, not being able to sleep can actually cause a whole host of health issues. People who are suffering from Steven Johnson Syndrome often experience insomnia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is because of the pain and other aspects that are caused by the disease. When you are unable to sleep your body can become even more exhausted. When the body is trying to fight off a disease it needs proper rest in order to do so. This is why sleep and rest are recommended as a treatment for many different types of illnesses. If you are having trouble sleeping and are suffering from insomnia, discuss the symptom with your doctor to determine the cause and to get the treatment that can help you sleep better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Risk Factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Steven Johnson Syndrome poses many threats to your health. This syndrome can affect the eyes, skin, mucous membrane, and the genitals. This syndrome is rare, but it is still important to understand the symptoms so that you can seek treatment right away should you develop this syndrome. Damage to the mucous membrane can cause all types of digestive issues. The mucous membrane travels through the body starting in the mouth and ending in the anus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also found in the genital tract and even in the eyes. The mucous membrane produces mucus, which is designed as a lubricant to drive out any unwanted infections.  Taking certain medications or having an infection increases the chances of developing this syndrome. This syndrome can cause many serious symptoms as noted and some may take months in order to fully heal. You should seek treatment right away if you suspect you have developed this syndrome.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\r\n

<\/div>