DERMATOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES - WHEN EARLY RECOGNITION CAN BE LIFESAVING

Early recognition and treatment of life-threatening dermatoses can red uce morbidity and mortality. Pemphigus vulgaris can usually be brought under control with high doses of corticosteroids. In cases of necroti zing fasciitis, early, extensive debridement of involved tissue is ess ential, since antibiotic therapy alone has little effect. Patients wit h toxic epidermal necrolysis and occasionally those with Stevens-Johns on syndrome may need care similar to that required for a major bum. Th erapy for toxic shock syndrome includes aggressive fluid replacement a nd beta lactamase-resistant antistaphylococcal antibiotics. Treatment of urticaria and acquired angioedema includes histamine receptor block ers, prednisone (for intractable cases), and epinephrine (for respirat ory compromise); danazol (Danocrine) or stanozolol (Winstrol) may be u seful for prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema.