Blistered and flaky skin can be associated with antibiotic allergies

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) may not be a foreign disease in your ear. Because the disease has several times been the material of news in the national mass media.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is classified as a severe disease because it can make the skin sufferers blister and peel like a burn victim. Most cases are triggered by drug allergic reactions, including antibiotic allergies.

Antibiotic allergy and Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a very severe drug allergic reaction. Most of the cases are caused by allergies to drugs. A series of drugs that most often cause allergic reactions include:

Antibiotics.
Sulfa type antibacterial drug.
Medications to treat seizures or epilepsy.
Pain reliever types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Medication to deal with HIV infection.

If it is caused by a drug allergy, SJS symptoms will appear within one to three weeks after you start using the drug. Symptoms can even occur after two weeks you stop using the drug.

Symptoms of antibiotic allergy in patients with SJS

In general, antibiotic allergies will cause symptoms such as rashes and swelling on the face. But indications Stevens-Johnson syndrome begins with coughing, sore throat, and aches, which are similar to the symptoms of the common cold.

A few days later, other symptoms will appear. Starting from purplish red rashes, blisters, and peeling skin like suffering from burns.

Mucous membranes in the mouth, eyes, genitals, and digestive tract can also be affected. For example in the form of eyes feel itchy and sore and sore in the throat when swallowing.

The extent of the body area affected by symptoms of drug allergy is different in each patient. If the skin peeling condition occurs below 10 percent of the body surface area, this condition is included in Stevens-Johnson syndrome. While the condition of exfoliating more than 10 percent is called toxic epidermal necrolysis.

To find out these differences, doctor's help is needed. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of allergic antibiotics or other suspicious drugs.

Apart from drug allergies, some infections, such as mycoplasma pneumonia, diphtheria, hepatitis, and herpes are also at risk of triggering the emergence of SJS.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome must be treated as soon as possible

Drug allergies that cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome include life-threatening conditions. Therefore, the patient must be brought to the hospital as soon as possible.

Doctors will determine the severity of symptoms in order to decide on the right treatment. Because the symptoms are similar to burn victims, sufferers may be placed in a burn unit during treatment.

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If SJS is known to occur due to an antibiotic allergy, the use of the drug must be stopped immediately.

During hospital treatment, treatment of blistered and flaky skin is similar to treatment of burns. Starting from keeping the wound clean so as not to get infected, reduce pain, and provide fluids and electrolytes.

Careful monitoring of the patient's condition will also be carried out. This step is in case if there are symptoms that worsen or complications arise.

If the patient's eyes are also affected and inflamed, the patient's condition can deteriorate rapidly. Therefore, eye symptoms are very important to be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage or blindness.

With proper care, the symptoms will subside and the peeling skin will grow back. However, please remember that the recovery period can take months. The possibility of further complications also persists and may affect the quality of life of patients in the future.

Because antibiotic and drug allergies can trigger such severe illnesses, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, it is very important to know what allergic tendencies you have and tell your doctor when you seek treatment. Do not hesitate too to undergo an allergy test if deemed necessary allergic tendencies which are properties and inform the doctor during treatment. Do not hesitate to undergo an allergy test if necessary.