What percentage of total skin area is typically affected by toxic epidermal necrolysis?

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe skin condition characterized by widespread detachment of the epidermis and involves a significant proportion of the body surface. According to established clinical definitions, TEN is characterized by more than 30% of the total body surface area being affected. This vast area of skin loss leads to various complications, including fluid loss, infection, and potentially life-threatening systemic issues.

In contrast, less severe conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), which is also characterized by skin and mucosal involvement, usually affects less than 10% of the body surface area. Therefore, recognizing that TEN affects more than 30% of the skin area is crucial for both diagnosis and management, marking its severity and the need for prompt medical intervention.