In a recent post on her blog, Sight for Sore Eyes SJS, the mother of a boy who had been diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), the most severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), ranted about the updates to over-the-counter medications to kids. The warnings, she said, were nondescript and did not adequately portray the dangers that could occur when taking the medication, like the reaction her son had when he was just 3. For Helen, a more reasonable warning label would read: “If your child survives the most agonizing drug reaction, they will live with intense pain and vision loss for the rest of their lives.”

Helen would know. Ian was 3 years old when he was diagnosed in 2001 with TEN. Ninety percent of his skin peeled away and his lungs and digestive track burned and his eyes blistered. He hung on the edge of life before slowly and miraculously recovering. His skin gradually healed but his eyes were adversely affected. He suffered extreme pain and blindness.

Since his diagnosis, Helen has done everything in her power to give Ian a healthy life, from moving across country to seeking out medical treatment to help him see again. Her blog is a regular testament to her dedication to raise awareness of the ill affects of some common medications so others don’t suffer the way Ian has. Keep up the great work, Helen!

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Mother offers sight for sore eyes