Stevens-Johnson syndrome after erythromycin therapy while deployed at sea

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a cutaneous reaction pattern that represents the progression of symptoms of erythema multiforme. These reactions can range from mild (EM minor) to severe (EM major) and even life-threatening (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis). The difference between Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis is the percentage of body surface area involved; toxic epidermal necrolysis involves widespread skin necrosis and bullous formation with epidermal detachment resembling scalded skin. The three most common triggers for Stevens-Johnson syndrome are herpes simplex infection, Mycoplasma infection, and drug reactions. This is a case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome occurring after erythromycin treatment aboard an aircraft carrier while deployed at sea in the Persian Gulf.