A middle-aged female presented to G Square Skin, Hair and Aesthetic Clinic, Hubli, with painful red lesions and burning over both legs, making movement uncomfortable. On detailed history, she had recently been treated with a cephalosporin-group antibiotic, after which these lesions appeared within a few days.

Based on the acute onset, temporal relation to drug intake, and characteristic skin findings, a diagnosis of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) was made — a severe and potentially life-threatening drug-induced reaction involving the skin and mucous membranes.

 

What is Stevens–Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.
It causes widespread inflammation and blistering of the skin, along with erosions of mucous membranes such as the mouth, eyes, and genitals.
The condition typically develops within 1–3 weeks after exposure to a triggering medication and requires prompt medical attention.

 

Common Triggering Drugs

Certain medications are known to cause SJS more frequently, including:

Antibiotics: Sulfonamides, Cephalosporins, Penicillins

Antiepileptics: Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine

NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Oxicam derivatives

Allopurinol – used for gout management

In this case, the cephalosporin antibiotic was identified as the offending drug.

Treatment Approach at G Square Clinic

Once the offending drug was immediately discontinued, the patient received targeted therapy under close supervision.

✅ Cyclosporine Therapy:
An immunomodulatory medication that effectively halts disease progression, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster skin healing.

✅ Supportive and Wound Care:
This included hydration, pain management, infection prevention, and gentle wound protection to aid natural recovery and comfort.

Within a few days of starting treatment, the patient showed dramatic improvement — redness subsided, no new lesions appeared, and complete recovery was achieved without scarring or complications.

 

Long-Term Management: Drug Avoidance & Counseling

After recovery, the patient was counseled extensively about lifelong avoidance of the triggering antibiotic and related drug classes.
Re-exposure could result in a severe or even fatal recurrence.
She was advised to maintain a Drug Allergy Card mentioning “Cephalosporin-induced SJS” to present during any future medical visits.

 

Expert Care for Drug Reactions at G Square Clinic

At G Square Skin, Hair & Aesthetic Clinic, we specialize in managing complex dermatological emergencies such as Stevens–Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and severe drug allergies with evidence-based protocols and compassionate care.

Early recognition and expert intervention are crucial — timely management can be life-saving and prevent long-term complications.

📍 G Square Skin, Hair & Aesthetic Clinic – Hubli, Karnataka
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Girishkumar M. Chalawadi, MBBS, MD (Dermatology), FRGUHS Dermatosurgery
📞 91106 10004
🌐 www.gsquareskinandaesthetics.in