Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Typically, Stevens-Johnson syndrome affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nostril, eyes, and both the anal and genital regions. It may or may not be associated with skin lesions elsewhere on the body. Oropharyngeal (mouth) lesions may be so intolerable as to prevent eating, and there may be recurring oral ulcers. Often, the skin lesions may look like a target-lesion (3 concentric zones of color change) or as bullae (bubble-like).

A painful conjunctivitis may occur in the eye, frequently with a pus discharge, and can lead to corneal scarring and loss of vision. In addition to the mucous membrane lesions, fever and exhaustion are usual.

Approximately one-third of patients have pulmonary involvement with cough and patchy infiltrates (material that has permeated into the tissues) on chest x-ray. In fatal cases, renal failure and pneumonia may occur.

Signs and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:

• Facial swelling 
• Tongue swelling 
•  Hives 
• Skin pain
• A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days 
• Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose and eyes
• Shedding (sloughing) of your skin

Up to two weeks before SJS sores appear on your mouth and skin,
you may have the following symptoms:

• Cough
•  Fatigue (sleepiness) 
•  Fever and chills
•  Headache.    
•  Muscle and joint pain
•  Sore throat
•  Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
•  Mild dizziness or drowsiness
•  Tender or swollen glands
•  Swollen or painful gums
•  Headache
•  Muscle twitches
•  Increased facial hair
•  Swelling of breasts
•  Insomnia

When to see a doctor
Stevens-Johnson syndrome requires immediate medical attention. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

•   Unexplained widespread skin pain
•   Facial swelling
•   Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes
•   Hives
•   Tongue swelling
•   A red or purple skin rash that spreads
•   Shedding of your skin 

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Signs And Types Of Acne

Acne typically appears on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders, which are the areas of your skin with the largest number of functional oil glands. Acne can take the following forms:

Comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) are created when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil secretions, dead skin cells and sometimes bacteria. When comedones (kom-uh-DOE-neze) are open at the skin surface, they're called blackheads because of the dark appearance of the plugs in the hair follicles. When comedones are closed, they're called whiteheads — slightly raised, skin-colored bumps.
Papules are small raised bumps that signal inflammation or infection in the hair follicles. Papules may be red and tender.
Pustules are red, tender bumps with white pus at their tips.
Nodules are large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin. They're formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.
Cysts are painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin. These boil-like infections can cause scars.

When to see a doctor

Acne usually isn't a serious medical condition. But you may want to seek medical treatment from a dermatologist for persistent pimples or inflamed cysts to avoid scarring or other damage to your skin. If acne and the scars it may have left are affecting your social relationships or self-esteem, you may also want to ask a dermatologist if your acne can be controlled or if your scars can be diminished.

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