Stevens-Johnson syndrome – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious disorder that may affect the whole body. It normally occurs in the skin and mucous membranes and often begins from the use of some medication or due to an infection.

Most times, people who have the disorder will feel flu-like symptoms. This will be followed by a painful red or purple rash that spreads and blisters, Eventually, the top layer of the affected skin dies, sheds, and then heals.

It can take a person one to two weeks to recover from Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Meanwhile, the most common medications that cause the disorder are as follows:

• allopurinol
• carbamazepine
• lamotrigine
• nevirapine
• the “oxicam” class of anti-inflammatory drugs
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• sulfamethoxazole and other sulfa antibiotics
• sertraline

Known risk factors and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome

The following are risk factors for Steven-Johnson syndrome:

• Viral infections – It can vary from herpes, hepatitis, viral pneumonia to HIV.
• Weakened immune system – The immune system can grow weak as a result of HIV or AIDS, autoimmune conditions or certain treatments like chemotherapy.
• Family history – Having a close relative who was diagnosed with the condition increases your risk of developing it.
• A previous history of the disorder – Taking the same medications or medications from the same family of drugs, may trigger the disorder all over again.

The most common symptoms associated with this condition include:

• High body temperature
• Skin pain all over the body
• Red or purple skin rash that spreads
• Blisters
• Shedding of the skin

Body systems affected by Stevens-Johnson syndrome

The possible complications caused by the Stevens-Johnson syndrome may include:

• Cellulitis – A secondary skin infection.
• Eye problem – Stevens-Johnson syndrome can cause inflammation in the eyes.
• Lung issues – Acute respiratory failure may occur.
• Permanent skin damage – There may be skin bumps, scars, and skin discoloration.
• Sepsis – Bacteria from the infection can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Medical experts advise the intake of the following to address the problems brought about by Stevens-Johnson syndrome:

• Magnesium chloride – It has the ability to detoxify cells and purify the tissue.
• Colloidal silver – It can naturally chelate harmful substances in the body which cause infection.

Treatments, management options for Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Since Stevens-Johnson syndrome is mainly caused by taking certain medications, treating it means the cessation of consuming the same medication that triggered the condition. Moist compress is also recommended for mild symptoms; oral rinse to treat mouth ulcers associated with the condition, and topical creams to alleviate pain.

Where to learn more

• Judge OKs case against drug makers after Advil left teenager horrifically disfigured and disabled
• Antibiotics cause woman to burn from the inside out, skin falls off
• Woman almost dies from an allergic reaction after taking prescribed antidepressants
• Children’s Motrin causes seven-year-old to go blind and lose 90 percent of skin
• Prescription drugs declared “one of the most significant perils to human health” by British medical journal

Summary

Stevens-Jonhson syndrome is a rare, serious disorder which is characterized by a rash in the skin and mucous membranes. Most cases are caused by taking certain types of medication. Risk factors for this condition are viral infections, weakened immune system, family history, and previous history of the disorder.

Patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome may experience symptoms, such as fever, skin pain, red or purple rash, blisters, and shedding of skin. Meanwhile, magnesium chloride and colloidal silver are the nutrients needed to prevent or relieve this condition.

In terms of treatment, healthcare providers advise patients to cease taking any medication that triggered the disorder in the first place. A moist compact, oral rinse, and topical creams can also help ease the symptoms.

Sources include:

MayoClinic.org

NHS.uk

EarthClinic.com

SimplyGoodNaturalFoods.com