A potential dermatologic emergency. First described in 1922 by the American pediatricians Albert Stevens and Frank Johnson, SJS is characterized by widespread purpuric macules and targetoid lesions, usually more
common on face and torso, and with concomitant mucosal involvement of more than one site (usually the
eyes, mouth, and genitalia; Fig. 3-28). Lesions may undergo full-thickness epidermal necrosis, although
this is limited by definition to <10% of cutaneous surface. Hence, mortality is much less than in (toxic epidermal necrolysis) TEN (only 5%).
common on face and torso, and with concomitant mucosal involvement of more than one site (usually the
eyes, mouth, and genitalia; Fig. 3-28). Lesions may undergo full-thickness epidermal necrosis, although
this is limited by definition to <10% of cutaneous surface. Hence, mortality is much less than in (toxic epidermal necrolysis) TEN (only 5%).