Cough Medicine Triggers Skin Horror
A woman from Llanelli developed a rare syndrome that caused her skin to peel after taking common cough medicine.
Terrifying Reaction to Medicine
Jo Daniels, 49, took Benylin in 2018 to treat a simple cold. Within two days, ulcers appeared around her eyes and in her mouth. She described her eyes as “weeping blood” during the horrific ordeal. “My eyes were weeping blood – I thought I was going to die,” Jo recalled while describing her symptoms. Doctors later told her that paracetamol in the medicine triggered the attack.
Rare Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Jo developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a serious disorder of the skin. This rare reaction often begins with flu-like symptoms and a painful rash. The top layer of skin eventually dies and sheds in large chunks. SJS affects only one to two people per million each year. However, about ten percent of patients who develop the syndrome will die. It usually occurs as an allergic reaction to common medications.
A Difficult Recovery Process
Jo spent weeks in a burns unit to treat her injuries. She lost large sections of skin from her lips and cheeks. The condition damaged her vision and caused her gums to recede. “Large chunks of skin were falling off on my lips and mouth,” she said of the recovery. She now suffers from dental decay and permanent eye swelling.
Life After the Syndrome
Eight years later, Jo struggles with impaired vision and low self-confidence. She avoids public places and wears sunglasses to protect her dry eyes. Now, she only uses natural cough remedies like lemon and ginger. Finally, she remains fearful that another flare-up could happen at any time.