Latest news with #Stevens-JohnsonSyndrome
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Horrifying photos reveal the true dangers of ibuprofen after mum's skin ‘fell off' leaving her fighting for life
Aleshia initially thought she had a simple case of the flu, and doctors agreed, sending her home with painkillers. But within days, the mum-of-three was close to death TERRIFYING ORDEAL Horrifying photos reveal the true dangers of ibuprofen after mum's skin 'fell off' leaving her fighting for life AFTER giving birth to her third child, Jaxon, via C-section, Aleshia Rogers was taking ibuprofen twice a day to dull the pain. But within three weeks of giving birth, her skin slowly started to fall off, and days later, doctors gave the mum-of-three a five per cent chance of survival. Advertisement 15 Aleshia Rogers had a severe reaction to ibuprofen which made her skin 'fall off' in 2020 Credit: Kennedy News 15 The mum was told to take ibuprofen after the birth of her baby boy, Jaxon Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleshia developed a rash - one of the first signs she was having a rare reaction to ibuprofen Credit: Kennedy News 15 Mum Aleshia pictured in hospital, when she was given a five per cent chance of survival Credit: Kennedy News The mum-of-three welcomed her son into the world in August 2020. Advertisement But the 27-year-old began developing flu-like symptoms, including a high fever, swollen face and rash on her chest. She also had a burning sensation when she swallowed. Despite going to the hospital twice for medical advice, Aleshia was told she had pink eye (conjunctivitis) or scarlet fever and to continue taking ibuprofen to ease her pain and reduce the swelling. But just hours later, her face was engulfed in painful blisters and peeling skin, leaving the mum unrecognisable to loved ones. Harrowing pictures showed Aleshia lying in a hospital bed, her skin completely covered in bleeding sores after what doctors believed was an extreme reaction to painkillers, Ibuprofen. Advertisement Aleshia, who lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, tells Sun Health. 'My eyes started swelling. 'They were bloodshot and burning, and I got a small rash on my chest, so I went to A&E and they told me I had pink eye and sent me home. 'The next day, my whole face was swollen, and both eyes were swollen shut. 'I went back to A&E and they told me I had scarlet fever and to go home.' What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome Hours later, her symptoms had progressed so drastically that her entire face and chest were covered in blisters. Advertisement She returned to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) - a rare and serious disorder where the immune system sparks widespread inflammation in response to medication. She was later told she had Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis - a severe form of SJS - that was likely triggered by taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen was my go-to med. It's very upsetting and confusing. Once it starts, there's nothing you can do to stop it. Aleshia Rogers Aleshia, a child and education technician, says: 'The doctors said the skin had died and detached. 'They called it sloughing. It fell off in sheets. 'The doctors said 90 to 95 per cent of the skin came off my body. Advertisement 'Since your skin is your biggest organ, this caused me to get sepsis and multi-organ failure.' 'It was touch and go' She was transferred to an intensive care unit for burns and placed in a coma for three weeks. Aleshia underwent a full-body skin excision (removal) and grafting, as well as an amniotic membrane transplant on her eyes. During this time, Aleshia's heartbroken family were told she had a five to 10 per cent chance of survival. Miraculously, she was discharged after a month. Advertisement 15 Aleshia's back when her worrying rash started to develop Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleshia was told she had pink eye (conjunctivitis) or scarlet fever - and was even told to continue taking the pills Credit: Kennedy News 15 Her condition rapidly progressed until 90 to 95 per cent of her skin fell off her body Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleisha's black legs, which may be because she had sepsis. This can prevent proper blood flow Credit: Kennedy News 15 The 27-year-old was later diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Credit: Kennedy News Advertisement 15 'My family told me it really was touch or go as to whether I'd make it through,' says Aleisha Credit: Kennedy News 'I had absolutely no idea what had happened to me,' Aleshia says. 'I forgot that I had given birth. I lost a lot of memories. 'My family told me it really was touch-and-go as to whether I'd make it through. 'I've been told so many times that I'm a 'miracle'. Advertisement 'It's always a thought, but I live my life like tomorrow isn't promised and try not to live in fear. 'I don't want people to be afraid of medicines, but I want people to be aware and mindful of what can happen.' What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome? Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious skin reaction, usually caused by taking certain medicines - often epilepsy drugs, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory painkillers. It is named after the two doctors who described it in the early 20th century. It can be life-threatening so it requires immediate hospital treatment. Symptoms usually start with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, sore throat, cough and joint pain. A rash usually then appears a few days later - spreading from the upper body to the face, arms, legs and genitals. You can also get blisters and sores on your lips, inside your mouth and on your eyes. Hospital treatment usually involves fluids to prevent dehydration, creams and dressings to moisturise the skin, strong painkillers to ease discomfort and medicines to control inflammation and prevent infection. It can take several weeks or months to fully recover. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is diagnosed when more than 30 per cent of the skin surface is affected and the moist linings of the body (mucous membranes) have extensive damage. SJS and TEN are rare. There is thought to be about one TEN case per one million patients - about 60 every year, according to the University of Liverpool. SJS is more common, with an incidence rate of about one in 10,000. Source: NHS Five years on, Aleshia is still recovering from long-term complications associated with SJS but is determined to raise awareness of this life-altering disorder. She says: 'We believe it was all triggered by taking ibuprofen. 'I took it twice a day for the C-section recovery pain, then continued taking it to ease my pain and swelling [when I developed flu-like symptoms]. Advertisement 'Ibuprofen was my go-to med. I'd basically taken it my whole life since I was 14 to help with period pains. 'They don't know why I had this reaction to it. Doctors don't really have an explanation for it. 'They just said my body decided it didn't like it one day. It's very upsetting and confusing. 'There's no prevention, and once it starts, there's nothing you can do to stop it. 'And there's definitely a chance I can get it again at any time.' Advertisement 15 Aleisha was treated for sepsis and multi organ failure Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleisha's whole body blistered before her skin peeled off. She is pictured as her wounds heal Credit: Kennedy News 15 The mum's skin was left discoloured following the ordeal Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleisha even had blisters in her mouth Credit: Kennedy News 15 Five years on, Aleshia is still recovering from long-term complications associated with SJS Credit: Kennedy News
The Star
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Indonesian government stays mum on Jokowi's health amid growing public concern
JAKARTA: Speculation continues to mount over the health of former president Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo as government officials remain tight-lipped and offer little clarity about the medical care typically extended to former heads of state. Jokowi, who stepped down from office last October, has been notably absent from major public events, including the recent 79th anniversary celebration of the National Police, also known as Bhayangkara Day, attended by President Prabowo Subianto and by other former presidents. The 64-year-old has instead chosen to spend time in Bali with his wife and grandchildren, as indicated in his social media posts. Senior politician and close confidant Luhut Pandjaitan visited Jokowi during the trip and shared details of the visit on Instagram, significantly using an old photo rather than a recent one. Luhut described the hour-long meeting, which included both their wives, as warm, noting that although Jokowi has yet to fully recover, he remains in good spirits and continues to spend quality time with his family. 'They both shared that recent medical examinations showed positive developments in his health. It was a relief to hear this directly,' Luhut wrote in his post last Wednesday. Before parting ways, Luhut and his wife offered prayers for the former president's speedy recovery. 'May God lift all his illness and restore his strength so he can return to his activities with a full spirit, as usual,' he added. Public concern over Jokowi's health first emerged in late May after photos showed him with visible swelling and dark spots on his face and neck during a media doorstop outside his private residence in Surakarta, Central Java. The visible changes to his skin have prompted widespread speculation, with some attributing his skin condition to autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo or psoriasis, while others have floated more severe possibilities like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare but serious disorder often caused by allergic reactions. The lack of transparency around Jokowi's health has fuelled a wave of online speculation, including claims that the former president was rushed to the hospital in critical condition last month. The rumour gained traction on X, where a widely circulated video showed a crowd gathered outside a building, reportedly a hospital, a claim later denied by his aide, Comr. Syarif Muhammad Fitriansyah. Syarif dismissed concerns over Jokowi's health, stating that he only suffers from 'a skin allergy' likely caused by the weather during his late April trip to the Vatican, where he attended the late pope Francis' funeral on behalf of President Prabowo. Under Presidential Regulation No. 18/2018, former presidents and vice presidents, alongside their spouses, are entitled to medical treatment and support from the presidential medical team, with all expenses covered by the state budget through the State Secretariat. However, it remains unclear whether Jokowi has received such support. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi and Jokowi's aide Syarif did not comment when asked by The Jakarta Post about any government assistance provided to the former president. This lack of clarity contrasts with the treatment of previous presidents such as Suharto, Abdurrahman Wahid, B. J. Habibie and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who were assigned official medical teams and provided publicly communicated health updates. In those cases, the transparency allowed the public to follow their conditions and subsequent recovery. Political analyst Agung Baskoro believes the government's limited involvement is likely due to Jokowi's condition still being considered manageable with private medical care. 'This issue remains within Jokowi's personal domain, and from what I understand, the palace is prepared to provide assistance at any time if the former president requests it. But as long as no such directive is given, he will continue to handle it on his own,' Agung told the Post on Tuesday. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Hans India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Is Shefali Jariwala's death due to over Glutathione Injections?Doctors warn of severe side effects
The sudden death of actress and reality TV star Shefali Jariwala at age 42 has brought renewed attention to the potential dangers of glutathione injections, widely used for skin lightening and anti-ageing. Shefali, best known for her role in Bigg Boss 13 and the iconic Kaanta Laga music video, reportedly received glutathione shots as part of a beauty treatment before her death on June 27. Though the exact cause of death is under investigation, reports suggest she may have suffered from low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and gastric distress following an injection on an empty stomach. Medical experts are now urging the public to understand the risks and consult qualified professionals rather than following social media fads. What is Glutathione? Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body. It plays a key role in detoxifying the liver, boosting immunity, and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Due to its supposed skin-brightening properties, it has gained massive popularity in oral, topical, and injectable forms. 'People are drawn to glutathione because of its reputation as the 'master antioxidant,' but its cosmetic use, especially through injections, is not without serious risk,' said Dr Sai Lahari Rachumallu, Dermatology Associate Consultant at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar. Potential Side Effects and Misuse Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant and HoD of Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, emphasized that glutathione should only be used under strict medical supervision. 'While it can help with liver issues, oxidative stress, or immune dysfunction, using it casually for cosmetic benefits—especially in unregulated settings—can be harmful,' she said. Reported side effects include: Abdominal cramps and bloating Allergic reactions like rashes and itching Zinc deficiency affecting immunity and healing Risk of infection from improper injection techniques Kidney damage or renal toxicity from high doses Rare but serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome 'High-dose glutathione injections used over time can harm liver and kidney function, especially when combined with steroids or vitamin C for faster skin whitening,' Dr Rajamanya added. Oral vs Injectable Glutathione Doctors also pointed out that oral glutathione has poor bioavailability—meaning only a small portion is absorbed by the body. This has led to a surge in intravenous injections, which deliver glutathione directly into the bloodstream but significantly raise the stakes when it comes to side effects. 'Injectables may offer faster results, but the risks are exponentially higher if used irresponsibly,' Dr Rachumallu warned. Caution Against Unregulated Clinics Another growing concern is the ease with which such procedures are available in India—often without prescriptions, supervision, or proper hygiene. 'People are influenced by celebrities and influencers, but health should never be compromised for beauty trends,' said Dr Rajamanya. Experts urge people to seek proper clinical evaluations and avoid off-label or unapproved uses of any injectable treatments. They stress that while glutathione has therapeutic value, it should not be misused in the pursuit of fairness or youth. Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before beginning any new treatment.
NDTV
30-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Can Anti-Ageing Drugs Cause Cardiac Arrest? Doctors Explain Shefali Jariwala Death
On June 27, 2025, when news of the tragic and sudden death of actress Shefali Jariwala broke, it left everyone in shock. The 42-year-old actress, who rose to fame with the iconic remix of the Kaanta Laga song that every Y2K person knows about, died suddenly from a possible cardiac arrest, leading to various speculation about the cause of her death. One such cause, according to sources, points to the use of so-called age-defying anti-ageing treatments, which might come with hidden, and sometimes fatal, cardiovascular risks. The Toxic Cocktail Of Anti-Ageing Treatments And Fasting Reports suggest that Shefali, who had a history of epilepsy, might have received a cosmetic anti-ageing injection containing Glutathione and Vitamin C on empty stomach, which was potentially followed by a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to cardiac arrest. While the exact cause of death is under investigation, and a post-mortem report is awaited, medical experts across India are cautioning against the use of unregulated anti-ageing therapies. Dr Anesh Jain, Consultant Cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, explains to NDTV, "Although glutathione and Vitamin C are widely used in skin treatments, introducing such compounds in a dehydrated or fasted state can place unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system. In rare cases, this can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure, possibly leading to cardiac arrest." He adds, "There is no formal category of 'anti-ageing' drugs approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). Most of these treatments are off-label, experimental, or cosmetic in nature - and lack proper long-term cardiovascular safety data." A quick research showed that the FDA has explicitly warned against the use of glutathione powder intended for dietary supplements to compound sterile injectable drugs due to safety concerns, including reports of adverse events linked to endotoxin contamination in compounded glutathione injections. Moreover, injectable glutathione is also not FDA-approved for skin lightening. In fact, there are no published clinical trials or official guidelines supporting the safety or efficacy of injectable glutathione for skin whitening. Rather, the FDA has highlighted risks such as toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, and potential severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Injectable Vitamin C products are also not FDA-approved for skin lightening. In 2019, the FDA requested all companies to stop distributing unapproved versions of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) injection. In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) have approved glutathione and Vitamin C injections but only for specific medical indications, not for cosmetic or skin whitening purposes. The Problem With Anti-Ageing Treatments Experts suggest that while glutathione and Vitamin C are not known to directly affect the heart, their impact when used without proper medical context - such as being taken intravenously on an empty stomach or alongside other drugs - can trigger a dangerous cascade, potentially including hypotension and cardiac arrest. And this is not just about glutathione or Vitamin C. It's about a range of anti-ageing drugs. Dr Srinivas Kudva, Interventional Cardiologist at Lilavati Hospital, explains that anti-ageing drugs have gained immense popularity in recent years, driven by a global interest in longevity and the prevention of age-related decline. "These therapies target various biological mechanisms, ranging from hormone modulation (eg, testosterone, growth hormone) to cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function (eg, NAD+ boosters, mTOR inhibitors). While many are designed to enhance cellular resilience and slow biological ageing, their effects on cardiovascular health are not uniformly positive and remain under active investigation," he adds. He explains that these hormonal agents can significantly influence cardiovascular dynamics. "Elevated testosterone or growth hormone levels may increase red blood cell production, elevate blood pressure, and alter lipid metabolism, all of which can contribute to a higher risk of arrhythmias, arterial stiffness, or thrombotic events. Even newer compounds like NAD+ precursors, though marketed for their regenerative properties, may accelerate metabolic activity and place excess strain on the heart, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular vulnerabilities," Dr Kudva says. Women's Hearts At Greater Risk Both globally and in India, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the leading cause of death in women - surpassing even breast cancer. Dr Ashish Agarwal, Director Of Cardiology At Aakash Healthcare, points out, "CVDs are often overlooked in women. In fact, heart attacks and cardiac arrests kill 10 times more women than breast cancer. One in five Indian women aged 15-49 has untreated hypertension. Early screening is crucial." Adding to this, Dr Subrat Akhoury, Chairman of the Cath Lab and Head of Unit-I at Asian Hospital, says, "Women's heart attack symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. Nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath - these can be mistaken for other issues. Plaque builds up differently in women's arteries, making diagnosis tricky. Emotional stress and depression - which are more common in women - can also raise cardiac risk." He added a stark warning, "It's crucial that patients understand the heart is especially vulnerable to untested hormone-altering anti-ageing drugs. Cardiac arrest can be the first and final symptom." Low Blood Pressure: A Silent Trigger One of the potential complications in Shefali's case could have been a sudden drop in blood pressure - a known trigger for cardiac arrest. Dr Abhijit Khadtare, Cardiologist At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, explains, "Severe hypotension, or a sudden and steep drop in blood pressure, is a medical emergency. It can deprive vital organs of oxygen, leading to shock - a life-threatening condition." He elaborated that causes of sudden hypotension include: Severe dehydration or blood loss Septic shock from infections Anaphylactic reactions Heart attack or failure "Symptoms like confusion, fainting, rapid weak pulse and cold, sweaty skin should never be ignored. Immediate medical attention is vital to prevent fatal outcomes," Dr Khadtare says. The Need For Supervision According to police sources, Shefali had been taking heavy doses of anti-ageing, multivitamin, and skin whitening medications for many years without any doctor's supervision, indicating this could be a case of self-medication. The Amboli police found a large number of medicines in Shefali's room - in the fridge, drawer, and on the table - including anti-ageing medication like glutathione. Shefali started taking medicines on her own about eight years ago after consulting a doctor once, and continued this without regular monitoring by any current doctor, said sources. Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine and Chief Clinical Strategy for the North India region, warned against the growing trend of self-medication with anti-ageing treatments. "People assume 'natural' or 'anti-ageing' means safe. That's simply not true. Many of these drugs interact with existing medications for blood pressure or diabetes. In older adults, this can be especially dangerous," he says. He stressed that these substances are often sold online, bypassing regulations and quality checks. "We need to treat anti-ageing interventions like any other medical procedure - only under professional guidance. Without proper screening, these so-called youth elixirs can pose serious risks," Dr Gupta concludes. Actress-model Shefali Jariwala's death puts the spotlight back on the rise of self-medication and anti-ageing treatments, with devastating consequences.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Jokowi's health draws attention during birthday celebration
Indonesia's 7th President, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, is seen in this undated photo while reportedly suffering from a skin allergy. - Photo: JAKARTA: Former president Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's appearance during his recent birthday celebration has sparked renewed speculation about his health, and whether it played a role in his decision not to enter the race for the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) chairmanship. Jokowi marked his 64th birthday on Saturday (June 21) at his private residence in Sumber Village, Banjarsari District, Surakarta, Central Java. The celebration drew hundreds of residents, who arrived in the morning with traditional food and local delicacies as tokens of affection for the popular former leader. However, public attention quickly shifted to Jokowi's physical condition. Visible swelling and dark spots on his face, coupled with the brief duration of his visit and his decision not to take photos with guests as he typically does, led many to question whether he was unwell. His aide, Comr. Syarif Fitriansyah, confirmed that Jokowi was recovering from an allergic skin reaction that had caused facial inflammation. 'Visually, we can see there are differences in his appearance, but overall his physical health is fine,' Syarif said on Sunday, reported, assuring that Jokowi's condition has improved in recent days. Concerns over Jokowi's health have simmered for months, fueled by viral clips from recent doorstop interviews in which he appears visibly fatigued and less energetic than usual. Syarif explained previously that Jokowi had an allergic reaction after his trip to the Vatican last April, when he attended Pope Francis' funeral on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto. 'Perhaps the shift in the weather [triggered the condition]. Once he returned and adjusted to the local climate, the symptoms began to show,' Syarif said on June 5, adding that a medical team had treated Jokowi at home. Many have speculated that Jokowi may be suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare but potentially life-threatening skin condition. According to the United States' National Library of Medicine, the syndrome affects two to seven people per million annually and can affect anyone with a genetic predisposition, although studies show it is more common in older adults and women. It is characterised by severe skin reactions that can lead to extensive tissue damage. Syarif denied that Jokowi's condition was related to SJS or any autoimmune disease, emphasising that he had not experienced typical symptoms such as fever or itching. The renewed attention to Jokowi's health has come alongside confirmation that he will not run in the upcoming PSI leadership election, despite earlier signs of interest, fueling speculation that his health may have influenced the decision. His youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, who currently serves as PSI chairman, confirmed the news on Saturday, saying it followed a week-long discussion with his father. 'It wouldn't be right for a son and father to compete against each other,' Kaesang told Antara after officially registering to seek another term as party chairman. Jokowi, who is not a member of any political party after being expelled from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), has indicated in recent months that he was interested in trying his luck at PSI's leadership race on July 19. The self-proclaimed 'youth party', which is a staunch supporter of Jokowi, has also openly welcomed all potential candidates to register, including national figures like the former two-term president. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
