If the body surface area sloughing exceeds 30%, what would the diagnosis change to from Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

When the body surface area sloughing exceeds 30%, the diagnosis transitions from Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) to toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This distinction is important because TEN represents a more severe form of skin reaction that involves extensive detachment of the epidermis. SJS is defined by less than 10% of body surface area affected, while TEN indicates a much higher percentage of skin involvement, typically greater than 30%. The management and prognosis for these two conditions also differ significantly.

Recognition of the extent of epidermal damage is critical in guiding treatment decisions and understanding patient outcomes, as TEN is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to SJS. The severity of the condition is directly related to the proportion of skin affected, which is fundamental to the classification between these syndromes.