Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a potentially deadly skin disease that usually results from a drug reaction.

SJS has been associated with over-the-counter pain relievers including Advil, Motrin, Tylenol and Children's Motrin. Antibiotics, including those based on sulfa, phenytoin or penicilli and anti-seizure medication, such as Dilantin and Phenytoin.

SJS is caused by an extreme allergic reaction to drugs or by underlying infections and malignancies, it affects the mucous membranes and the skin, eventually resulting in the epidermis (the outer layers of skin) separating from the dermis (inner layers of skin).

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is considered by most doctors to be a severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The two disorders are part of a trio of inflammatory disorders affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Both SJS and TEN can be deadly as well as very painful and distressing.

With Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis the most common cause of death is infection, which can enter through the exposed areas. This disease can leave the skin looking as though it has been burned, and areas where skin has flayed away can seep copiously and quickly become infected.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can affect any age group. However, it occurs most commonly in older people, and this could be because older people tend to use more of the drugs associated with the disease and are therefore collectively more at risk from the disease. People that have AIDS are also at an increased risk of contracting Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Those in the higher risk groups are urged to remain vigilant for any signs of these skin diseases, and are also advised to remain well informed about the symptoms that could indicate the presence or onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

Both Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis make the outer layer of your skin die and fall off. Painful blisters and/or sores grow on your body that look like targets. These sores will usually grow in your mouth first, and may make it hard to swallow and breathe. Sores and blisters then spread to your skin, and may be very painful and feel like burning. You may have blisters and sores in your eyes and genitals (area between your legs). You may also have sores in your stomach, lungs, and colon (bowel). Layers of the skin often peel away in sheets.When your skin dies and falls off, it will be dark red and look badly burned.

Blisters can apear on eyes and cause blindness. The hair and nails can also fall off, and sufferers can become cold and feverish.