Background

Condition Lookup

Number of Conditions: 3

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Drug-Related Skin Reactions

Symptoms:
blisters and erosions on skin and mucous membranes; target-like lesions; fever and malaise

Root Cause:
Severe hypersensitivity reaction, often drug-induced, involving keratinocyte apoptosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical findings; biopsy to confirm.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending drug; supportive care in severe cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids or IVIG – for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; 1–6 cases per million annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Certain medications, HIV infection, genetic predisposition (e.g., HLA-B*1502 in Asians).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High morbidity; mortality ranges from 5–10%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis; Organ failure; Scarring and chronic pain

Drug-Induced Rash

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Drug-Related Skin Reactions

Symptoms:
red, itchy rash; maculopapular or urticarial lesions; widespread distribution

Root Cause:
Hypersensitivity reaction to medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and elimination of suspected drug.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending drug; antihistamines or corticosteroids for symptom relief.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine ). Systemic corticosteroids – for severe reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially with antibiotics or anticonvulsants.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Drug allergies, polypharmacy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolves upon drug discontinuation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to severe reactions (e.g., SJS/TEN)

Fixed Drug Eruption

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Drug-Related Skin Reactions

Symptoms:
recurrent, well-demarcated red patches; lesions often appear in the same location; may blister or darken over time

Root Cause:
Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a drug.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; re-challenge with suspected drug if necessary.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending drug; corticosteroids for active lesions.

Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous reaction to a specific medication.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolves after drug discontinuation; recurs with re-exposure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent pigmentation changes