Erythema multiforme, also known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), is an acute self-limiting condition with characteristic red skin lesions covering up to 10% of the surface area of the body. The lesions remain in a fixed place for at least 7 days and then begin to heal, but usually tend to recur. The wider involvement of body surface area (more than 30%) is called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Mortality increases with increasing proportion of the implied surface of the body. It is believed that the impaired immunity is responsible for this condition. Most patients also have mucosa involvement along with skin lesions.
Ayurvedic treatment of SJS is aimed at treating injuries of the skin and mucous membrane, reducing the severity and intensity of generalized symptoms and preventing recurrence. Medicines that are useful in this condition: Arogya-Vardhini, Gandhak-Rasayan, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Kamdudha-Ras, Sutshekar-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras, Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Usheer (Vetiveria zizaniisheyis, and heypee, iheera, Iihetha, Ruby corda, Manjishtha) , Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Gooodoo (Tinospora cordifolia). Medicines that act on and "Rakta" dhatus (tissue) of the body are helpful in this condition. These drugs include Indrava (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus). If there is serious interference with the mucous membrane, medications that act on Mansa Dhatu should also be used in this condition. These drugs include, in addition to the aforementioned drugs, Triphala (Three fruits) and Nimbus (Azadirachta indica).
Medicines are also used to improve the immune dysfunction, which is usually responsible for this condition. These drugs include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Suvarna-Sutchehar-Ras and Suvarna-Bhamma. Maha-Manjishti-Kadha and Saarivasav are provided on a long-term basis to prevent recurrence.
A large number of drugs can accelerate SJS. It is important to stop treatment immediately. The acute decline of SJS can cause rapid dehydration and blood circulation, which can even lead to death. Therefore, hospitalization in the acute stage is very important. Ayurvedic medicines can be added to therapy after the acute phase has stabilized to control generalized symptoms of the condition and prevent recurrence.
