Those suffering from SJS are treated in a hospital, and if the cause of the problem is drug related then the drugs are stopped. Because patients are literally burn from the inside out, burn, infectious disease, ophthalmology and dermatology teams are recommended. IV fluids and high calorie formulas are given to promote healing and the skin is left to re-grow on its own.
Antibiotics are given when necessary to prevent secondary infections such as sepsis. Pain medications such as morphine are administered to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Most SJS patients can be managed in medical ICU or pediatric ICU. However, the chances of survival can be hit and miss depending on the level of damage and the degree of infection incurred by the patient.
It is vital that those taking drugs that could result in these skin diseases are vigilant and can identify the danger signs associated with these problems. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can be deadly, and the earlier the symptoms are recognized the faster treatment can be initiated.
How is Stevens-Johnson syndrome treated? The goal of treating SJS is to stop symptoms from getting worse and protect you from getting sicker. You are put in the hospital to treat SJS. Your caregiver will stop the medicine you were taking that caused the response.
If your caregiver cannot learn what made you sick, he may stop all your medicines. You will need an IV put in your vein that connects to tubing, for getting medicine and liquids. You may also be given liquid nutrition (TPN) through your IV because of protein loss. Wound (SJS sores) care will be done by your caregivers to help stop any infection from starting. Some patients must be treated in a burn unit.
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Treatment for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome