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Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Abstract

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Synonyms of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Acute Toxic Epidermolysis
Dermatitis Exfoliativa
Lyelles Syndrome
Lyell Syndrome
Ritter Disease
Ritter-Lyell Syndrome
Scalded Skin Syndrome
Staphyloccal Scalded Skin Syndrome
TEN
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Disorder Subdivisions

No subdivisions found.

General Discussion

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, sometimes life-threatening unless properly treated, immunological disorder of the skin. It is characterized by blisters that meld into one another to cover a substantial portion of the body (30% and more), and extensive peeling or sloughing off of skin (exfoliation and denudation). The exposed under layer of skin (dermis) is red and suggests severe scalding. Often, the mucous membranes become involved, especially around the eyes (conjunctivitis), but also the mouth, throat, and bronchial tree.

Onset can occur at any age. The infantile form frequently follows an infection. In adults the disorder is usually caused by a reaction to taking a pharmaceutical drug, especially anticonvulsants, non-steroid anti-inflammatories, and/or some antibiotics.

TEN is thought to be an immunological disorder and to be one of a family of three skin disorders. TEN is considered to be the more serious, followed by Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme, in order of severity of disease.

Organizations related to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

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