Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis : Recent Study
Researchers from Australia and Germany have for the first time cured patients suffering from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), a deadly skin disease.
- TEN, also known as Lyell’s syndrome, is a rare, life-threatening skin condition.
- TEN is the most severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).
- Both conditions are caused by a reaction to medications-often antibiotics or anticonvulsives.
- People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop SJS or TEN.
- Symptoms may include:
- A painful, red area that spreads quickly
- The skin may peel without blistering
- Raw areas of skin
- Discomfort
- Fever
- Condition spread to eyes, mouth/throat, and genitals/urethra/anus
- TEN causes large areas of blistering and peeling skin on at least 30% of your body, including mucous membranes like the mouth, eyes and genitals.
- Because the skin normally acts as a protective barrier, extensive skin damage can lead to a dangerous loss of fluids and allow infections to develop.
- Serious complications can include pneumonia, overwhelming bacterial infections (sepsis), shock, multiple organ failure, and death.
- It has a mortality rate of approximately 30 percent.
- TEN requires emergency medical treatment at a hospital.
- If a medicine is causing the skin reaction, it is discontinued.
- While the skin heals, supportive care includes controlling pain, caring for wounds and making sure you’re getting enough fluids.
