Question

What is the comparison between SJS and TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis)?

1) SJS is a milder form of TEN
2) TEN is a milder form of SJS
3) SJS and TEN are two different conditions
4) SJS and TEN are the same condition

Answer 1

SJS and TEN are points on a spectrum of severe skin reactions, with SJS affecting less than 10% of the body surface and TEN over 30%. They are not different conditions nor the same; rather, they are related with varying degrees of severity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are related conditions, rather than one being a milder form of the other. SJS and TEN are often considered points on a spectrum of severe skin reactions, with SJS being less severe, affecting less than 10% of the body surface area, and TEN being more severe, affecting over 30% of the body surface area. They are characterized by blistering and peeling skin and can be life-threatening. The overlap condition, where 10-30% of the body surface area is affected, is sometimes referred to as SJS/TEN overlap.