Final answer:
Steven Johnson syndrome is most commonly a reaction to certain medications, with antibiotics being a frequent trigger. Anti-inflammatory drugs, taken regularly, can suppress the immune system and increase the risk for infections, while corticosteroids can lead to more severe cases of certain infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steven Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes that is usually a reaction to a medication or an infection. SJS can be a response to several triggers, but the most common include an adverse reaction to medications, such as antibiotics used to treat an acute infection. While aspirin, as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and Tylenol (acetaminophen), do occasionally cause SJS, the likelihood is comparatively lower than with some antibiotic treatments. The role of inflammation in the body is complex, as it is a necessary response to infection and injury, but chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs can suppress the immune response, potentially leading to undesired consequences like an increased risk for infections. For instance, patients using corticosteroids such as cortisol, which down-regulate the inflammatory response, may experience more severe infections, such as strongyloidiasis. Antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum types, can lead to superinfections, which are secondary infections that occur due to disruption of normal flora and weakening of the body's natural defenses.