Nigerian begins 17-day race to up awareness about Stephens Johnson Syndrome

A Nigerian, Fadeshola Adedayo, on Friday commenced a 17-day marathon from Abuja to Lagos to call attention to the health condition known as Stephen Johnson Syndrome, an unusual allergic reaction...


“Stephens Johnson Syndrome is an immune complex mediated hypersensitivity reaction that typically involves the skin and mucous membranes and was first described in 1922 by Albert Stevens and Frank Johnson,” said Dr. Olanrewaju Falodun a Senior Consultant Physician/Dermatologist at the National Hospital, Abuja.

SJS is a rare and unpredictable reaction, and is also a minor form of toxic epidermal necrolysis with less than 10 percent body surface area involvement, the consultant said.

Having lost his older brother to the condition in 2012, Mr. Adebayo will make stopovers as he raced along, sensitising as many people as possible about the syndrome and the need to avoid self medication.

Self medication is believed to be one of the causes of the condition.

Mr. Adebayo’s brother, Mr. Adeoshunola (a medical doctor), had gone for community service in Lagos, and in the course of his work, he sustained a needle stick injury while managing a patient.

The patient was HIV positive and instead of seeking treatment, he went on self-medications and later developed an uncommon reactions that unfortunately led to his death.

Mr. Adebayo said he was embarking on the marathon to call attention to the condition and ensure that Nigerians understand the danger of self medication.


The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, was part of the ceremonial commencement of the marathon as he raced within the Abuja metropolis with other Nigerians.

Briefing journalists afterwards, Mr. Adewole said, “We have to find a means to communicate with Nigerians,so they should all be aware of this dangerous disease and it is the sole business of government to enlighten the society by trying to increase their awareness, knowledge and to improve their quality way of life.”

Mr. Falodun, the consultant at the National Hospital, said, “SJS is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening contagious drug reaction. Incidence of SJS is estimated between 1.1 and 7.1 cases per million per year and is more prevalent in women than men. Incidence in Europe is two per million per year,” Mr. Falodun said.

He confirmed that two cases had so far being handled at the Abuja National Hospital, saying one patient already passed while the other was still undergoing treatment.

He said the incidence was higher in Africa due to extensive use of herbal preparations and the prevalence of HIV.

He listed the symptoms of the SJS disease to include fever, sore throat, running nose, fatigue, general aches and pains, ulcers in mouth, genitals, anal regions as well as conjunctivitis.

The health complications, Mr. Falodun said, are pigmentation problems, skin scarring, scarred genitals, joint pains, lung diseases, obstructive disorders and eye complications, adhesions, ulcers, and blindness.

He however said the cause of the disease remained unknown in a quarter to half of cases but that self-medications appeared to be one of its causes.

He advised Nigerians to avoid misuse of drugs, while individuals with previous drug reactions should always inform healthcare practitioners so that in future they would be able to predict who is at risk of the disease using genetic screening.

Here are ways Mr. Falodun said SJS could be managed by hospitals:
1. Cessation of suspected drugs
2. Hospital Admission: Preferably in burns unit/intensive care
3. Nutritional and Fluid replacement
4. Temperature maintenance
5. Pain relief
6. Mouth-care