Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is a painful and debilitating skin condition frequently caused by an allergic reaction to a drug, chemical, or disease. One of the most common triggers for this reaction is the compound sulfonamide, a common element in many drugs including antibiotics, barbiturates, sulfa drugs, certain Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as the COX-2 Inhibitors Bextra and Celebrex, and Ibuprofen found in Advil and Motrin. Other factors that can result in SJS are the herpes virus, mumps, influenza (the Flu), and the Epstein-Bar virus.

Doctors term the initial stages of SJS erythema multiforme. The disease begins as several concentric circle skin rashes or lesions, often found on the fingers or hands. These lesions begin to spread throughout arms and legs, and as they progress they begin to cause blisters throughout the skin. Many people also report severe itching, especially when the rash spreads over more of the body. In severe cases, SJS will irritate blood vessels and mucous membranes under the skin which can result in the skin shedding or