The skin is considered a vital organ of the body. It excretes sweat, regulates body temperature and erupts with rashes to indicate that an allergic reaction is occurring. Sometimes certain viruses can affect the skin and lead to manifestations such as blisters, skin sores and redness. Severe skin disorders can interrupt the important functioning of this organ.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) refers to a serious but rare condition characterized by purple or red skin rash, facial or tongue swelling and skin-blistering of the mouth, nose or eyes, says the Mayo Clinic. SJS manifestations also include hives, skin pain and skin shedding. Prior to the onset of SJS, a fever, cough and sore throat may be present.
If left untreated, SJS can lead to another skin infection called cellulitus, a blood infection called sepsis, internal organ damage and scarring of the skin.
The Mayo Clinic indicates that medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-gout medications such as allopurinol, penicillin medications and anticonvulsant medications can all play a contributory role in the onset of SJS. The herpes, influenza, typhoid, hepatitis or HIV infection may also cause SJS. Sometimes, radiation and sun exposure are to blame.
Stopping certain medications may be necessary as they could be the cause of SJS. Replacing lost fluid and taking medications such as intravenous (through the vein) corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin may stop the progression of SJS. Sometimes, physicians use skin from another part of the body to place over the affected regions.
Pemphigus
The Mayo Clinic indicates that pemphigus is a serious skin disorder typically found in people of Jewish or Middle Eastern descent. There are three types of pemphigus: pemphigus vulgarus, pemphigus foliaceous and paraneoplastic pemphigus. Pemphigus vulgarus is the most common type of pemphigus, says the Mayo Clinic. Initially, its symptoms include painful mouth blisters which can eventually move to the skin. Pemphigus foliaceous presents with blisters on the face, chest and back. These blisters can be painful and itchy. Paraneoplastic pemphigus causes skin and lung lesions as well as mouth and lip sores.
The Mayo Clinic says the cause of pemphigus is unknown. However, it is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the skin. Immunosuppressant medications such as azathioprine, antibiotics or anti-fungal medications, fluids and anesthetic mouth lozenges can help manage pemphigus manifestations. Also, plasmaphoresis, in which the fluid and cellular components of blood are separated, is an option for treating pemphigus. Specifically, antibodies can be removed thereby reducing pemphigus manifestations.
Scalded Skin Syndrome
MedlinePlus says that scalded skin syndrome is a severe skin condition in which skin actually sheds. This syndrome's manifestations include skin blisters, a fever, skin redness and skin pain. Nikolsky's sign, a condition in which skin actually slips off when touched, is apparent with scalded skin syndrome.
Intravenous antibiotic medications to destroy the infection and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration are typical treatments for scalded skin syndrome, says MedlinePlus.
