What is Steven Johnson Syndrome? – How can Ayurveda Help with it?

ABSTRACT

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. One of the most important functions of skin is protection from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, temperature etc. However, when our lifestyle and diet goes haywire, skin conditions may get triggered by medications and infections. In this article, we will take a look at one such rare skin condition called Steven Johnson Syndrome and how Ayurveda can help treat it safely and naturally.

INTRODUCTION- WHAT IS STEVEN JOHNSON SYNDROME?

Steven Johnson syndrome or SJS is a rare but serious condition of the skin and mucous membranes that results in the skin to develop rashes, blisters and then eventually peel. Other organs such as eyes, genitalia, and mouth are also affected in severe cases. The more severe form of Steven Johnson Syndrome is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and is a more intense form of Steven Johnson syndrome and causes extensive damage to the mucous membrane. Blisters can also form inside of the body, making it hard to eat, swallow or even urinate. This condition may be rare but it is life threatening.

CAUSES

SJS is thought to be a condition of the immune system. The immune reaction can be genetic or triggered by various factors such as drugs and infections.

Some of the most common causes are

1. Allergic reaction to a medication such as antibacterial sulfa drugs, antiepileptic drugs, Allopurinol, NSAIDS and antibiotics.
2. Infections like hepatitis A, herpes etc.
3. Vaccinations

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Steven Johnson syndrome include

1. Skin pain
2. Fever
3. Body aches
4. Red rash
5. Cough
6. Blisters and sores on skin and mucous membranes
7. Peeling skin
8. Painful urination due to blisters

TREATMENT

There are varying opinions among dermatologists regarding the peeling and debriding of the skin in cases of severe Steven Johnson syndrome. However, some of the restorative and supportive treatment method includes:

1. Stopping the medication that triggered SJS
2. Using Intravenous fluids, IV steroids, cyclosporine etc.
3. Using non adhesive dressing on the skin
4. Tube feeding to promote natural skin healing
5. Antibiotics and analgesics for symptomatic relief
6. Following the protocol of thermal burns

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT

Although there is no specific mention of Steven Johnson syndrome in Ayurveda, it can be grouped under the autoimmune disorders. Ayurveda considers that an unhealthy diet and lifestyle for longer periods of time can lead to the accumulation of AMA or toxins which causes an imbalance in the Dosha and eventually disrupts the functioning of the immune system. Treatment in Ayurveda is based on restoring the balance of the aggravated dosha and expelling the toxins out of the body. There are various Ayurveda herbs that help in removal of toxins or ama and healing both external and internal body in Steven Johnson syndrome.

AYURVEDA HERBS THAT HELP IN STEVEN JOHNSON SYNDROME

1. MANJISTHA

(Rubia cordifolia): The herb Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) mentioned in classical Ayurveda texts is an excellent herb for all skin diseases. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is a natural blood purifier, inhibits the acne causing bacteria and heals the wounds. It has a bitter sweet Rasa or taste and is considered as ‘Varnya’ (good for skin) in Ayurveda. This herb helps fight the infection and heals the wounds caused by Steven Johnson syndrome

2. NEEM

(Azadirachta indica): Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a medicinal herb that is excellent for skin issues. It has anti-inflammatory properties and healing properties. It has Nimbin that prevents skin problems like acne, blisters etc. This herb is bitter in taste and is considered as Kandu Ghana in Ayurveda which means herbs that help in itching and skin disorders.

3. TURMERIC(Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties worldwide. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and blood purifier. It has Laghu (light) and rooksha (dry) guna and a bitter, pungent taste which makes it a great herb to reduce the swelling and work as an antiseptic for all kinds of skin blisters

4. GILOY

(Tinospora cordifolia): Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is one of the most used ayurveda herbs for its immune- boosting properties. Along With immunity, it also has cooling and pitta balancing properties which help relieve skin irritation, inflammation and promote healthy skin. It has sweet Vipaka (post digestion taste) and helps in relieving itching and redness in all kinds of skin disorders.

HERBAL FORMULATIONS for Steven johnson syndrome  BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet ayurveda is a GMP certified authentic ayurveda company that manufactures best, 100% pure ayurveda products under the supervision of MD doctors. Planet ayurveda manufactures some of the best herbal alternatives to chemical drugs that also find its mention in ayurveda. All the formulations made by planet ayurveda re 100% vegetarian formulations which are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch and additives. Some of the formulations that work well for Steven Johnson syndrome are:

1. Kaishore Guggul

Kaishore guggul by Planet Ayurveda is a tablet formulation that contains various ayurveda herbs such as Guggula (Commiphora mukul), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Goskhur (Tribulus terrestris), Vidang (Embelia ribes) and Trikatu (Three peppers). Guggul, the key ingredient in this tablet, helps majorly in fighting the disease, reducing the inflammation and heals the skin wounds.

DOSAGE: 2 tab twice daily after meal with plain water

2. Gandhak rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan by Planet Ayurveda is a tablet formulation that has pure standardized extract of 50 mg of purified Sulphur. This product helps treat various skin issues such as itching, eczema and psoriasis. This tablet is known for its antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It regulates the immune system and thus helps in treating both the symptoms and root cause of Steven Johnson syndrome.

DOSAGE: 2 tab twice daily after meal with plain water

3. Manjishtha Capsule

Manjishtha capsules by Planet Ayurveda has 500 mg of pure standardized extract of the herb Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) 1 cap twice daily. It is a blood purifier and is beneficial in skin issues, blisters and healing the mucous membranes that get extensively damaged in Steven Johnson syndrome. This formulation is known for its blood purification and antioxidant properties.

DOSAGE: 1 tab twice daily after meal with plain water

4. Gleaming skin, hair and nails formula

This formula is capsule formulation by Planet Ayurveda that has various Ayurveda herbs that help in the overall health of skin, hair and nails. This formulation contains Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Pita Papda (Fumaria officinalis) and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus). All these herbs collectively help in skin disorders and blood purification and detoxification of the body. It is a helpful formulation in case of eczema, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. This formulation is a brilliant supplement for skin, hair and nails.

DOSAGE: 1 cap twice daily after meal with plain water

5. Chopchini churna

Chopchini churna is a formulation mentioned in the ancient Ayurveda textbooks. Prime ingredient of this formulation is Smilax china which is also called Chopchini. It is naturally an analgesic and has anti-inflammatory effects. This herb balances all the three aggravated doshas and manages the allergic reaction and skin inflammation by inhibiting the histamine release due to its anti-allergic property. This formulation is known for its appetizer and anti allergic effect which helps in fighting the root cause of Steven Johnson syndrome.

DOSAGE: 1/2 tsp twice daily after meal with plain water

CONCLUSION

Modern medicine system does mention the treatment of all diseases that are seen rising in today’s time but it rarely helps fight the root cause of the disease. Ayurveda has a much more holistic approach towards ailments and helps to fight the root cause with negligible side effects. Hence it is always beneficial for natural ayurveda treatments when it comes to Steven Johnson syndrome.