What Are SJS and TEN?
SJS and TEN are two forms of a life-threatening skin disease that cause rashes, skin peeling and sores on the mucous membranes. SJS and TEN usually begin with fever, headache, cough and body aches. A red rash subsequently breaks out on the face and trunk. It often spreads to the rest of the body in an irregular pattern. The areas of rash enlarge and spread. Many form blisters at their center. In SJS, blisters of mucous membranes usually develop in the mouth, throat, eyes, anus and genitals. There are also patchy areas of rash. Sometimes the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts are involved, resulting in diarrhea and difficulty in breathing. Like SJS, TEN also involves blistering of mucous membranes. In addition, the entire top layer of the skin peels off (sloughs) in sheets from large areas of the body. In many people, 30 percent or more of the body’s surface peels away. The affected areas are painful, and the person feels very ill with chills and fever. In some peo
