- SJS and TEN are severe muco-cutaneous reactions characterized by erythema, extensive epidermal necrosis, and widespread bullous epidermal detachment. They are most commonly triggered by drugs and affect all age groups
- Widespread skin loss from these conditions leads to ‘acute skin failure’ which is comparable with any other major organ dysfunction
- Although rare, these conditions have high mortality rates, long critical care stays, and are associated with significant chronic morbidity
- SJS and TEN are variants of the same disease spectrum, but distinguished chiefly by severity:
- SJS is the less severe form, affecting <10% total body surface area (TBSA)
- TEN is more severe and affects >30% TBSA
- Cases which affect 10–30% are referred to as SJS/TEN overlap.
- In total, 90% of cases involve mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, and genital tract.
