UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Category: Toxicology

Keywords: Toxic, epidermal, necrolysis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 11/17/2011 by Fermin Barrueto
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto

TEN is a rare, life-threatening dermatologic emergency characterized initially by erythema and tenderness. It is followed by a severe exfoliation that resembles a severe burn patient. Classically occurs within days of the exposure of the drug. Nikolsky's sign may be present - not pathognomonic.

The following is a short list of medications that can cause this lethal reaction:

allopurinol, bactrim, nitrofurantoin, NSAIDs, penicillin, phenytoin, lamotrigine, sulfasalazine

Treatment: transfer to a burn center may be needed, steroids are not generally recommended however immunomodulators are beginning to show promise - IVIG, cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide

 

See pic that is attached for example of the sloughing

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