What is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)?

About Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN):

• TEN, also known as Lyell's syndrome, is a rare, life-threatening skin condition.
• TEN is the most severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). 
• Both conditions are caused by a reaction to medications-often antibiotics or anticonvulsives. 
• People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop SJS or TEN.
• Symptoms may include:
  • A painful, red area that spreads quickly
  • The skin may peel without blistering
  • Raw areas of skin
  • Discomfort
  • Fever
  • Condition spread to eyes, mouth/throat, and genitals/urethra/anus 
• TEN causes large areas of blistering and peeling skin on at least 30% of your body, including mucous membranes like the mouth, eyes and genitals. 
• Because the skin normally acts as a protective barrier, extensive skin damage can lead to a dangerous loss of fluids and allow infections to develop.
• Serious complications can include pneumonia, overwhelming bacterial infections (sepsis), shock, multiple organ failure, and death. 
• It has a mortality rate of approximately 30 percent.
• Treatment:
  • TEN requires emergency medical treatment at a hospital.
  • If a medicine is causing the skin reaction, it is discontinued. 
  • While the skin heals, supportive care includes controlling pain, caring for wounds and making sure you're getting enough fluids.