TEN

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a painful, life-threatening skin condition. It causes large areas of blistering and peeling skin on at least 30% of your body, including mucous membranes like the mouth, eyes and genitals. It’s the result of a reaction to certain medications. Widespread damage to the skin can lead to dangerous fluid loss and infections.

TEN, or TEN syndrome, is a rare, severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). SJS causes blistering and peeling skin on less than 10% of the body. The two conditions overlap when there is 10% to 30% body coverage.

Who is at risk of getting toxic epidermal necrolysis?

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop SJS or TEN. Immune system problems can be the result of:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Lymphoma.

Genetics may also play a role. Some people cannot normally break down certain medications, which can cause their body to develop Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Mutations (changes) to certain genes may make individuals (or ethnic groups) more likely to react to particular medications.

People of any age can get TEN, though it’s more common in older populations.

How common is toxic epidermal necrolysis?

TEN is a rare disease. Together, SJS and TEN affect about 1 million to 2 million people each year.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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