Toxic epidermal necrolysis-case report and review of the literature

A patient who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis secondary to a sulfonamide derivative is presented. Treatment consisted of fluid resuscitation and silver nitrate soaks to the affected areas. Silver nitrate was selected over silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) and mafenide in view of the nature of the offending agent. Tissue biopsy helps in the differentiation of toxic epidermal necrolysis from staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. A biopsy is especially useful if the offending agent is not known so that appropriate treatment can be started promptly. The mortality associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis is in the neighborhood of 30%. The priniciples of burn wound management are the key to treatment of this disease. The wound usually heals by epithelialization without the need of skin grafting.