Medical expert of the article
New publications
Stevens-Johnson syndrome in children.
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
[ Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
The onset is acute, with high fever, severe intoxication, arthraltia, myalgia, and from the first hours, progressive skin lesions are characteristic. Dark red spots with rapid formation of vesicular or, in particularly severe cases, bullous elements with serous-bloody contents appear on the skin of the face, neck, chest, and limbs (including palms and soles). Vesicles and bullae on the skin burst open, forming erosions and ulcers. Skin rashes tend to merge. In most patients, mucous membranes are also affected: conjunctivitis with keratitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis. Girls often have lesions of the vulva. A secondary infection often develops on the skin or in the respiratory tract and lungs. Other internal organs are usually not affected.
The sick child is urgently hospitalized; placed in a separate box. The suspected drug is canceled. Enterosorbents are prescribed (activated carbon, polyphepan, polyphen, smecta).
What's bothering you?
What do need to examine?
What tests are needed?
Treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Prescribed prednisolone 1-2 mg/kg/day, infusion detoxification therapy - 5% glucose solution with isotonic sodium chloride solution. In the acute period of severe course, prednisolone in a dose of 3-5 mg/kg/day can be administered intravenously. Vascular drugs and antiplatelet agents (euphyllin, pentoxifylline, ticlopedin), antiproteolytic drugs - gordox, contrical, trasylol are prescribed. If a bacterial infection occurs, antibiotics are prescribed, taking into account the results of bacteriological examination.
Local treatment of erosions and ulcers is carried out similarly to the treatment of open burns using indifferent antiseptics and keratoplastics. In case of eye damage - application of ocular hydrocortisone ointment 3-4 times a day.
Использованная литература