Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis:
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a skin disease that can occur as the result of a drug reaction. This skin disease, also known as TENS, causes a great deal of pain and discomfort and in some cases can prove fatal. Along with another similar disease, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis is classed as a dangerous and serious illness. Some of the drugs that have been linked to this disease include the now withdrawn cox-2 inhibitor, Bextra, as well as the popular antibiotic, penicillin. This is a skin disorder that can affect any age group, although it tends to affect older people more than younger ones. However, this trend could well be due to the fact that older people tend to take more medication that could result in TENS.
TENS can affect the skin so dramatically that it can leave sufferers open to all sorts of infections, which can lead to serious problems and even death. Although drugs are the main culprits when it comes to the onset of this skin disease, there are cases in which no cause can be identified. There are some higher risk groups who should be very vigilant for sings of this skin problem, particularly if taking related medications. Higher risk groups include the elderly and AIDS sufferers.
What are the symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis?
It can be difficult for people to even suspect that they have TENS at first, because the symptoms of this skin disorder, like those of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, are very non-specific. Some of the earlier symptoms of this skin disease include headaches, general aches, coughing, and fever. Following the early symptoms, a red rash may appear, which can cover various parts of the body but most notably the trunk. The rash may gradually turn into blisters.
The eyes, nose, and other areas can also become affected by blisters, as can the genital or vaginal area. Inflamed mucous membranes may affect sufferers at this stage. One of the most unpleasant symptoms of this disease is the loss of skin, which in some cases literally peels away from the body and comes off in sheets. The skin loss can be so severe with TENS that the patient can resemble someone that has been severely burned. This skin loss also poses an additional danger, as it leaves the raw flesh open to infections that can further damage or even kill the patient. Loss of hair and nails can also occur, as can loss of fluid through seeping wounds.
Infection is a distinct possibility in TENS patients, and it is actually a secondary infection that results in death in the majority of cases. This skin disorder is one that can change the life of sufferers, and is a very serious and worrying condition.
Treating toxic epidermal necrolysis
As with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, patients with TENS must be treated in hospital and in a very clean and hygienic environment in order to minimize on the risk of secondary infection. The steps taken by doctors will depend upon the cause of the skin condition if it is known.
The severity of the condition also plays a part in how the patient is treated. Doctors may treat the patient using a combination of fluid replacement, topical treatments, and in cases of infection antibiotic treatment. In cases where drugs have caused the condition, the medication must be stopped immediately.
The degree to which the patient has been affected can determine the chances of survival when it comes to TENS. If serious infection has set in the future can look bleak for patients. However, early detection of the condition could prove helpful. Anyone taking medication that has been linked to SJS or TENS should remain alert for any signs or symptoms of the disease.
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