Print DiagnosisTEN is diagnosed when people with SJS develop severe disease that affects more than 30% of the body. TreatmentIf your doctor suspects that your TEN was caused medicine you took, you'll need to stop taking that drug. Then you'll likely be moved to a hospital for treatment, possibly in its burn center or intensive care unit. Full recovery can take several months. Supportive careThe main treatment for TEN is trying to make you as comfortable as possible while your skin heals. You'll receive this supportive care while in the hospital. It might include: Fluid replacement and nutrition. Because skin loss can result in loss of fluid from the body, it's vital to replace fluids and electrolytes. You might receive fluids and nutrients through a tube inserted in the nose and guided to the stomach (nasogastric tube). Wound care. Your health care team might gently cleanse the affected skin and apply special dressings infused with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or medication. Your care team also monitors you for infection and gives you antibiotics if needed. Breathing help. You might need tests and procedures to evaluate your airway and help keep it clear. With advanced disease, you might need intubation or mechanical breathing assistance (ventilation). Pain control. You'll receive pain medicine to reduce your discomfort. For pain in your mouth, you might be given a mouthwash containing a numbing agent, such as lidocaine. Eye care. For mild eye symptoms, you might benefit from applying preservative-free artificial tears at least four times a day. Eye drops with corticosteroids might be used to control eye inflammation. Your care team might include an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). MedicationsTreatment of TEN also might include one or a combination of medications that affect the whole body (systemic drugs), such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), etanercept (Enbrel) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Further study is needed to determine their benefit, if any. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes Aug. 29, 2020 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Drug eruption. Mayo Clinic; 2020. AskMayoExpert. Nonimmunoglobulin e-mediated (non-IgE) drug sensitivity. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Seminario-Vidal L., et al. Society of dermatology hospitalists supportive care guidelines for the management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in adults. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020; doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.02.066. Micheletti RG, et al. Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: A multicenter retrospective study of 377 adult patients from the United States. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2018; doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2018.04.027. Whitney AH. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: Management, prognosis, and long-term sequelae. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 23, 2020. Whitney AH. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 23, 2020. O'Reilly P., et al. the psychological impact of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis on patients' lives: A critically appraised topic. British Journal of Dermatology. 2019; doi 10.1111/bjd.18746. Kellerman RD, et al. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2020. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 27, 2020. Related Toxic epidermolysis necrosis on a woman's back TENSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20490421 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions TEN