Since Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) primarily affects the skin, it can be easy for most doctors to misdiagnose your condition at first. This can be a large problem because improper treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and its evolved form, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS), may lead to the condition leaving permanent damage or becoming fatal.
There are many different conditions and diseases that give similar symptoms as SJS and TENS. Below you will find a list of some of the conditions that can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Pemphigus Bullous pemphigoid
Drug eruption Bullous impetigo
Contact dermatitis Dermatitis herpetiformis
Cicatricial pemphigoid Paraneoplastic pemphigus
Linear IgA dermatosis Pemphigus foliaceus
Porphyria cutanea tarda Epidermolysis bullosa
Staphylococcal scalded skin Herpes gestationis
Graft versus host disease Genital Herpes
You can find a complete list of the common misdiagnoses here. A misdiagnosis can be disastrous for patients, especially if you have filed a disability insurance claim to help you cover your expenses while you are being treated. Some of the misdiagnosis treatments and conditions aren’t covered by disability insurance. This is why it is important that you always seek a second opinion when you think that you may be misdiagnosed.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with SJS, such as red or purplish rash that spreads; blisters on the mucus membranes in your eyes, nose, mouth or genitals; painful skin or eyes; and peeling or sloughing off of the skin, you shouldn’t take the first diagnosis that a doctor gives you. You may just be suffering from Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Even if you have already been diagnosed with any of the conditions mentioned above and have had your disability insurance claim denied because of it, I may be able to help you.
I specialize in Stevens-Johnson syndrome cases and I know that it can sometimes be misdiagnosed as other conditions. Contact me for a free consultation today. If you have Stevens-Johnson syndrome, I may be able to get you help with your disability insurance claim.