Stevens-Johnson syndrome management requires admission to which level of care?

• A. General medical floor
• B. ICU burn unit
• C. Outpatient clinic
• D. Home care with topical treatment

Answer: (B)

Stevens-Johnson syndrome involves widespread skin loss and mucous membrane damage, acting much like a burn injury in terms of fluid shifts, infection risk, and the need for meticulous wound care. Because of this, patients require ICU-level monitoring and specialized burn unit care. In a burn unit, there are protocols for aggressive fluid and electrolyte management, strict infection control, advanced wound care with nonadherent dressings, temperature regulation, pain control, and nutritional support—all crucial to prevent sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction. A general medical floor, outpatient clinic, or home care cannot provide this level of wound management and monitoring, making them unsafe for severe SJS.