The diagnosis of<unk>  is based on both clinical and histologic findings. Early<unk>  can resemble non-specific drug reactions, so clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for<unk> . The presence of oral, ocular, and/or genital mucositis is helpful diagnostically, as these findings are present in nearly all patients with<unk> . The Nikolsky sign (a separation of the papillary dermis from the basal layer upon gentle lateral pressure) and the Asboe-Hansen sign (a lateral extension of bullae with pressure) are also helpful diagnostic signs found in patients with<unk> . Given the significant morbidity and mortality from<unk> , as well as improvement in outcome from prompt treatment, there is significant interest in the discovery of serum biomarkers for early diagnosis of<unk> . Serum granulysin and serum high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) are among a few of the markers being investigated which have shown promise in early research. Histology Definitive diagnosis of<unk>  often requires biopsy confirmation. Histologically, early<unk>  shows scattered necrotic keratinocytes. In more advanced<unk> , full thickness<unk>  necrosis is visualized, with a subepidermal split, and scant inflammatory infiltrate in the papillary dermis.<unk>  necrosis found on histology is a sensitive but nonspecific finding for<unk> . Confluent<unk>  necrosis - low mag.Confluent<unk>  Necrosis, low mag Confluent<unk>  necrosis - very high mag.Confluent<unk>  Necrosis, high mag Differential diagnosis * Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome * Drug-induced linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis * Acute graft versus host disease * Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis * Erythroderma * Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms aka DRESS * A generalized morbilliform eruption
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans
Chickenpox
Streptococcal intertrigo
Skin condition
Cutaneous lupus mucinosis
Staphylococcal infection