SJS and TEN represent different degrees of a severe, acute, life threatening mucocutaneous reaction resulting mainly from drugs.

SJS/TEN cause the skin to become red and purple, tender, and peel away from the body. These diseases affect not only the skin on the external surface of the body, but also the moist lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, genitals, and other body parts.

Both conditions are considered a medical emergency that requires hospitalization and management of patients is usually provided in intensive care units or burn centers.

Recovery can take weeks to months, and there are numerous long term sequelae.

Medications are the major precipitating cause and some drugs have a greater genetic risk factor. Newer treatments include safe anti-nflammatory biologic injections like Etanercept.