Phenytoin Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis - A Case Report

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but severe life-threatening skin disorder characterized by fever, headache and mucocutaneous lesion leading to necrolysis and detachment of full thickness of epidermis with sloughing, generally precipitated by drugs. A 68 years old male patient was admitted to hospital with a history of high-grade fever, headache and blurred vision. For his present illness he used Phenytoin. He was apparently asymptomatic for 5 days then patient presented with brownish-black discoloration of skin and rash all over the body. Nikolsky's sign was positive. Referral from a dermatologist confirmed the diagnosis of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Before starting treatment with anticonvulsants and other drugs that cause adverse reactions, patients are to be screened so that further complications and mortality can be reduced.