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What Are the Causes of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare condition in which the skin and mucous membranes have a severe reaction that causes flu-like symptoms and then blisters or a rash that covers some or all of the body. Although Stevens-Johnson syndrome can affect anyone, it most commonly affects children. Recovering from the condition can take weeks or months depending on how severe a case has developed. Treatment generally focuses on eliminating whatever caused the condition and treating the symptoms. Most cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome are caused by infections or drug interactions.

  1. Infections

    • Several infections can lead to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, including common and non-serious infections such as the flu and cat-scratch fever and more serious and life-threatening conditions such as hepatitis and HIV. Other infections known to have caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome include herpes, Epstein-Barr, mumps and histoplasmosis.

    Antibiotics

    • One of the most common drug reactions to cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is antibiotics and sulfa drugs, including penicillin and cephalosporin. One reason Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is more common among children than adults is because children are prescribed antibiotics much more frequently than adults.

    Anti-Inflammatories

    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription types, commonly cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Types of NSAIDs known to have caused the condition include ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Bextra and Daypro.

    Gout Medications

    • Drugs used to prevent attacks of gout have been shown to have an increased chance of causing an adverse reaction leading to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. One example of this type of medication is allopurinol.

    Seizure Medications

    • Anti-seizure and anti-convulsant medications used to treat such conditions as epilepsy are known to sometimes cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Drugs included in this category are Dilantin and phenytoin.

    Other Causes

    • Although Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is most commonly caused by adverse drug reactions and infections, in rare cases it has been caused to exposure to such stimuli as ultraviolet light or radiation therapy used to treat medical conditions.

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