Stevens Johnson Syndrome Patient Stories
Sulfa Allergy Leads to Man's Development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a highly aggressive immune-complex-hypersensitivity (allergic) condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Stevens Johnson Syndrome sufferers (about one in 1.3 million) are typically over the age of 40; however, cases of SJS have been reported involving sufferers as young as three months old. The potentially life-threatening disease elicits fatal results in 3% to 15% of all Stevens Johnson Syndrome cases.
SJS is characterized by the formation of bulbous blisters that often burst, stripping away the skin and baring the victim's flesh (fostering infection). Stevens Johnson Syndrome is typically caused as an allergic reaction to drugs.
One man's battle with Stevens Johnson Syndrome was traced back to the use of an antibacterial drug called Sulfa that he had been administered to help avoid an infection. He was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome in 1996. The drug allergy manifested itself in classic Stevens Johnson Syndrome form, with itching and burning of the eyes and blisters erupting inside and around his mouth (causing problems swallowing).
The initial Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms forced the man into the emergency room and kept him hospitalized for over a month in an attempt to treat his rapidly deteriorating condition. Treatments repeatedly failed at inhibiting the disease's progression, forcing the man to quit his job and halt his volunteer work with the Wakarusa Fire Department and Ambulance Service.
After receiving ongoing Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatments for more than 10 years, the man's symptoms finally began to subside (thanks to steroid therapy), relieving him of some of the day-to-day pains associated with the debilitating disease; but not without a price.
This Stevens Johnson Syndrome sufferer is no longer able to see clearly, a result of the disease ravaging his eyes. At the worst stage of the disease, his eyes were so sensitive that his own eyelashes were causing significant damage. A cornea transplant surgery in one eye was unable to improve his vision.
He lost all his fingernails (now saved in a book prepared by his wife, chronically his battle against Stevens Johnson Syndrome) and was continuously required to take whirlpool baths designed to help wash away layer-upon-layer of dead skin.
Never one to shy away from a fight, the man continues in his pursuit of a successful vision therapy that can help to restore his damaged eyesight. The most recent treatment option includes a new type of contact lens with fluid behind it (available in Massachusetts). His story is one of perseverance and faith.
Last Revision: April 25, 2008
MediaFact is a major online resource about drug side effects connected with Stevens Johnson Syndromeand Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.
