To Debride or Not to Debride: A Review of Wound Management for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Overview

Journal Cureus

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2024 Apr 1

PMID 38559535

Authors

Christina D Enescu

Adam J Elder

Hany Deirawan

Meena Moossavi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are immune-mediated skin reactions with high mortality as a result of severely compromised skin barrier function. Currently, there is no consensus on the topical management of these conditions. Some advocate for surgical debridement of affected skin as a means of preventing infection and facilitating reepithelialization with synthetic and biological wound coverage. Others prefer a conservative approach that relies on leaving the blistered skin in situ. A consensus is lacking, primarily due to the rarity of the disease and the lack of high-quality evidence supporting one particular form of management. The goal of this review is to explore and compare the two treatment approaches for SJS and TEN, namely conservative management and surgical debridement.

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Update on Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Diagnosis and Management.

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