Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
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[edit] Name of Condition
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), also known as Lyell Syndrome, Ritter Disease, Scalded Skin Syndrome, or Dermatitis Exfoliativa. Sometimes called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, although this is actually a milder variant of the same type of disorder, and not technically the same.
[edit] Definition
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare immunological disorder of the skin. It is characterized by blisters that meld into one another to cover a substantial portion of the body (30% or more), and extensive peeling or sloughing off of skin. The exposed under layer of skin is red and suggests severe scalding. Often, the mucous membranes become involved, especially around the eyes, 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.
