Symptoms
** I am searching for accurate pictures to display below of a symptom in each area. Should you have any of your own photos you wish to incorporate into this site, please forward them via email to angie.lowe@stia.ca**
Cutaneous (Skin)
With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), the skin becomes severely affected as the body reacts to a trigger, most often a medication. This can start with redness, tenderness, pain and a rash that quickly progresses to blistering and the top layer of skin beginning to break down and shed. The skin may become extremely painful, itchy and sensitive to touch. In severe cases, large areas of skin can be lsot, which is why this condition is treated as a medical emergency.
Mucus Membranes
Mucous membranes, including the mouth, eyes, throat, and genital area, are commonly affected in SJS and TEN. People may experience painful sores, swelling, and raw, open areas that make it difficult and painful to eat, drink, swallow, or even speak. Eye involvement can be especially serious, sometimes leading to long-term vision problems if not managed quickly. These symptoms often appear alongside skin changes and are a key part of how the condtion is recognized.
Extra Cutaneous (outside the skin)
Areas of the body beyond the skin and visible mucous membranes are often involved. In SJS and TEN, this can include internal systems such as the respiratory tract, liver, kidneys, and in more severe cases, other organs. Not everyone experiences extracutaneous complications, but when they do occur, they can significantly increase the seriousness of the condition and require close monitoring.
