Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) is thought to arise from a disorder of the immune system. The immune reaction can be triggered by infections, drugs, or medications. In some groups, drug reaction may be aggravated by genetic factors.

It effects 2 to 6 persons per million and has many side effects. There is no warning that it may occur and can occur at any age, primarily children, and can effect both male and female, but mostly females. It is very painful, sometimes being compared to being burned regarding intensity of pain and skin appearance.

It is such a sad thing that a community which often has high profile events to support other medical and philanthropic needs really missed the mark because our local paper dropped the ball. Perhaps the esteemed editor, who has been known for his own philanthropic interests will help rectify the oversight and find a way to shed more light on the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome cause. I look forward to seeing how it is addressed.

You can learn more about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome by going to http://sjsupport.org/ and http://www.sjsupport.org/pdf/SJS_factsheet.pdf