"He Ate 'This' Every Day" Man in His 60s Develops Skin Disorder [Health Talk]

[Financial News] In the UK, a man in his 60s developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)—a condition characterized by a widespread skin rash—after taking heart failure medication, according to a recent academic report.
Medical staff at Royal Preston Hospital recently reported that a 64-year-old male patient experienced adverse effects after being prescribed Bumetanide for heart failure. Two weeks after starting the medication, the patient developed a skin rash that spread throughout his body, prompting him to visit the emergency room.
The patient explained, "The rash first appeared on my palms and then spread to my hands, arms, legs, and eventually my entire body." He added, "It was itchy and painful." He also noted that some areas developed scabs and blisters, and that joint pain accompanied these symptoms.
The medical team diagnosed SJS based on the timing of the medication and the onset of symptoms. SJS is an acute systemic disorder in which the skin and mucous membranes become necrotic and detach. After discontinuing the suspected medication and prescribing the steroid prednisolone, the patient's condition improved significantly.
This disorder is most commonly triggered by adverse drug reactions, viral infections, or vaccinations, but about 5% of cases are idiopathic, with no clear cause. The main symptoms include red spots on the skin and mucous membranes, which may merge to form blisters or cause the skin to peel. In severe cases, not only the lips and anus but also internal organs can be affected, and the lesions may develop into ulcers accompanied by a sensation of heat.
The most important step in treatment is to immediately discontinue the causative medication. Supportive care includes maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and removing necrotic tissue. Depending on the situation, antibiotics or steroids may also be administered.

Meanwhile, this case was published in the medical journal Cureus on the 17th.


hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter