September 21st, 2008 by admin

 Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a skin disease in which the superficial layer of skin can be seen in sheets and can endanger the life of the patient.

It is due to the reaction to a drug, usually penicillin, sulfonamides, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In another third of cases, toxic epidermal necrolysis appears in the course of another serious illness, complicating the diagnosis. In the remaining third, was not discovered the cause. This disease is rare in children.

Symptoms
Toxic epidermal necrolysis usually start with a red, painful, which is spreading rapidly. It is possible to form vesicles, or the superficial layer of skin simply show that occur without blisters. Often, only a slight contact or elongation emerging large strip of skin. This makes the affected area appears scalded (a disease of similar appearance, is produced from a infection in infants, young children and in adults with abnormalities in their immune system) . As the toxic epidermal necrolysis, the person tends to experience discomfort, fever and chills. 3 days may result in huge portions of skin and the disease usually extends into the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and genitals.

As in the case of severe burns, loss of skin may endanger the life of the patient. Since the major damaged areas in raw can be lost large amounts of fluids and salts. A person affected by this disease is very susceptible to infection in areas of damaged tissue and exposed, these infections are the most frequent cause of death in those who suffer from this disease.

Treatment
People suffering from toxic epidermal necrolysis are hospitalized and the drugs suspected of causing the disease are removed immediately. Where possible, these people should be treated in the burn unit and provide a scrupulous care to avoid infection. The hospital staff should wash their hands before touching the patient, keeping it isolated from other patients of the hospital and cover the skin with protective bandages. Fluids and salts that are lost through the skin damaged are replaced intravenously. The use of corticosteroids to treat the disease is controversial. Some physicians believe that administering high doses in the early days is beneficial, others believe that corticosteroids should be avoided. These drugs inhibit the immune system, increasing the chance of suffering a serious infection. If this occurs, physicians administer antibiotics immediately.