Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Dermatologic Emergency and the Role of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Brian Wolf, Rory Sadoff, Victor Nannini
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a rare and severe mucocutaneous disorder characterized by mucosal and epidermal necrosis and sloughing. This potentially life-threatening condition, together with the less severe Stevens - Johnson syndrome, is commonly caused by an immunological reaction to medications and can lead to many long-term complications. The disorder initially presents with fever, malaise, and painful mucosal ulcerations (most commonly oral), but progresses to widespread cutaneous lesions.A 14 year old male patient was prescribed minocycline for the treatment of acne by his primary care doctor. Three weeks into the antibiotic treatment, he was admitted in distress, with a diagnosis of Stevens - Johnson syndrome that subsequently progressed to toxic epidermal necrolysis. What follows is a discussion of the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of this condition by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, as well as the description of this patient's treatment and management during his hospital stay.



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