Steven Johnson Syndrome Symptoms and Its Ayurvedic Management

ABSTRACT

Steven Johnson syndrome is a rare, acute and life threatening and unpredictable disease, affecting 1-2 per million each year (although it’s hard to determine the exact incidences). It can develop at any age but is more common in children and youngsters (Age 30). Medication is a causative factor in about 80% of the cases. 10% of the cases come under Mortality and in case of steven johnson syndrome with toxic epidermal necrolysis there is 50% mortality rate.

INTRODUCTION

It is a serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, potentially fatal and needs emergency care . It appears to be a sheet like skin and loss of mucosa. In this condition the affected skin of the patient dies, then sheds and begins to heal after a few days. Severe form of Steven Johnson syndrome with TEN (Toxic epidermal necrolysis) forms a range of diseases.

SYMPTOMS

• It starts with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, joint pain, and later develops the rash and then sores and blister formation and peeling of the skin
• Burning eyes
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Sensitivity to light
• Mouth ulcer
• Skin pain

SIGNS

• Rash appears like small purplish spots, red spots or small bumps.
• Steven johnson syndrome have < 10% of epidermal Detachment
• Blisters
• Ulceration
• Shedding of the skin

CAUSES

• 80% Of the time it is due to Adverse drug reaction such as anticonvulsants, Anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, Sulfonamides etc
• Infections such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) , Pneumonia.
• Genetics

DIAGNOSIS

1. Medical history
2. Physical examination (Example:- 10% of epidermal detachment Is a diagnostic feature of Steven Johnson syndrome whereas 10-30% of epidermal detachment is of TEN Toxic epidermal necrolysis) , Rashes etc.
3. Skin biopsy
4. Blood culture
5. Imaging techniques depending upon the symptoms.

MANAGEMENT

AS PER MODERN: It is an emergency condition and requires an emergency treatment.

1. Identify the cause, and stop the usage of medicine or drugs that caused the condition.
2. IV (Intravenous) fluids.
3. Fluid replacement to prevent dehydration
4. Adequate nutrition
5. Wound Dressing
6. Antibiotics to prevent infection.
7. Analgesics
8. Oral or systemic medications

AS PER AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Ayurveda is an ancient healing science which has historical roots. It provides a holistic approach towards mental and physical health. It heals on the basis of dosha, dhatu, mala. Equilibrium of these leads to proper functioning of the body and disequilibrium leads to diseases. The ayurvedic medicines are herbal or made of rasaushadhi. Ayurvedic management cures the disease from the roots, and provides permanent relief. According to ayurveda , Steven johnson syndrome occurs due to the imbalance of pitta dosha. Pitta dosha is one of the three dosha( vata , pitta, kapha) Pitta dosha enhances the metabolism, aids digestion, and does the transformation of various substances of the body. SJS comes under autoimmune disorder which may occur due to ama dosha (toxicity).

Diagnosis:

Darshana ( Direct perception)

To examine the skin sores, spots , blisters.

Sparshana (Touch Perception)

To check the body temperature etc.

Prashan (Questioning)

To identify the cause , for example medication history.

Required imaging and blood tests.

Management

1. Dietary management
2. Lifestyle changes
3. Shaman chikitsa (Herbal formulations)

DIET

Intake of cool and light yet nutritive food such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid taking food that increases pitta dosha such as spicy , oily , heavy food. Avoid processed foods and carbonated drinks.

Lifestyle changes:

Meditation and yoga to reduce stress.

SHAMAN CHIKITSA

Using herbal drugs or formulations to manage the condition. Drugs such as Haridra(Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica) , Gandhak(Purified sulphur), Guggulu(commiphora mukul), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Manjishtha(Rubia cordifolia) orally or in form of topical application.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR STEVEN JOHNSON SYNDROME BY PLANET AYURVEDA.

Planet ayurveda is an ayurvedic clinic which heals through herbs . They treat through herbal diet and herbal remedies.They also have a manufacturing unit which is GMP and ISO certified. They have all the classical as well as the patent ayurvedic medicines , and have been serving mankind for more than 20 years. The supplements manufactured are 100% pure , natural and safe.

1. Kaishore Guggul
2. Gandhak Rasayan
3. Manjishtha capsules
4. Gleaming Skin Hair Nails Formula
5. Chopchini Churna

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. KAISHORE GUGGUL

This is a ayurvedic classical medicine also available at Planet ayurveda in tablet form contains Triphala (haritaki (Terminalia chebula), amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), water, ghrut (ghee), guggul (commiphora mukul) , guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) etc. It is used in inflammation, wounds, high uric acid, and also acts as a blood purifier.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day.

2. GANDHAK RASAYAN

This is a classical ayurvedic medicine available in tablet and powder form , and is available on planet ayurveda in tablet form . It consists of gandhak (purified sulphur ). It is useful in skin conditions, UTI (urinary tract infections) having antibacterial , antiviral properties.

Dosage : 2 tablets twice a day

3. MANJISHTHA CAPSULE

It is prepared using standardized extract of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) . It is an herbal formulation in the form of a capsule available at Planet Ayurveda. Manjishtha helps in skin conditions and do Rakta shodhana ( Blood purification)

Dosage : 1 capsule twice a day.

4. GLEAMING SKIN, HAIR, NAILS FORMULA

It is one of the patent ayurvedic medicines by planet ayurveda which includes of sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) aloevera (Aloe barbadensis), manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) etc. in form of capsules. This formula helps in detoxification, helpful in maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails and maintains overall health.

Dosage : 1 capsule twice a day

5. CHOPCHINI CHURNA

This is one of the ayurvedic herbal formulations which includes Chopchini (Smilax china). It is in powdered form. It is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, it works as an appetizer and is useful in skin conditions.

Dosage: ½ tablespoon twice a day

CONCLUSION

Steven johnson syndrome is a rare skin and mucous membrane disorder which in maximum cases occurs due to adverse drug reaction . The symptoms of the disease starts with mild flu-like symptoms and then aggravates at the later stage which is a very painful and life threatening condition which requires emergency care. As per ayurveda it is due to imbalance of the pitta dosha , and this condition can be managed by ayurvedic herbs which you can find at www.planetayurved.com