Is toxic epidermal necrolysis a serious illness?
My cousin has extensive skin ulcers and blisters all over his body. The doctor said it might be toxic epidermal necrolysis. Is this a serious illness?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, toxic skin necrolysis is a serious illness.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but severe skin disorder, usually triggered by drug hypersensitivity reactions, and is classified as a severe type of drug eruption. In terms of disease severity, TEN may lead to extensive epidermal necrosis and skin detachment, which, in severe cases, resembles extensive burns or scalds, posing a serious threat to the patient's health.
Regarding treatment difficulty and urgency, this disease requires prompt treatment to prevent further deterioration and protect the patient's life. If not treated timely, it can lead to multiple organ failure. Therefore, from the perspective of modern medicine, toxic epidermal necrolysis can indeed be classified as a serious illness.
Once afflicted with this condition, a comprehensive treatment plan should be developed under a physician's guidance, including supportive care, skin repair, and immunomodulatory therapy, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve both survival rates and quality of life for patients.
