SJS

Medical abbreviation · Dermatology

SJS
Stands forStevens-Johnson syndrome
CategoriesMedical

SJS stands for Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a dermatology abbreviation.

Severe, life-threatening skin and mucous membrane reaction, usually to a medication, in which the epidermis dies and detaches over less than 10 percent of the body surface, with painful mouth, eye and genital erosions. Common culprits include allopurinol, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, sulfonamides and nevirapine.

Example: Fever, target-like macules and oral erosions 2 weeks after lamotrigine: SJS, stop drug, admit to burn unit.

Usage notes

Described by pediatricians Albert Stevens and Frank Johnson in 1922. The HLA-B*15:02 gene, common in people of Southeast Asian ancestry, sharply raises the risk with carbamazepine, so testing is recommended before starting it. SJS and TEN are now considered one disease spectrum. Survivors often have lasting eye damage.

More dermatology abbreviations

  • PR – Pityriasis rosea
  • PsO – Psoriasis
  • PUVA – Psoralen plus ultraviolet A
  • PV – Pemphigus vulgaris
  • SCC – Squamous cell carcinoma
  • SD – Seborrheic dermatitis
  • SK – Seborrheic keratosis
  • SPF – Sun protection factor
  • SSSS – Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
  • TCA – Trichloroacetic acid
  • TCI – Topical calcineurin inhibitors
  • TCS – Topical corticosteroids

See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.