National DRESS Syndrome Day

DRESS Syndrome is a horrific illness. The National DRESS Syndrome Foundation’s Day of Awareness unites patients, loved ones, and medical and research professionals, and YOU— bringing awareness to the little known illness, and honoring those whose lives have forever changed.

WHAT IS DRESS?

DRESS, also referred to as DIHS (Drug Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome), is a delayed, potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that can cause severe organ dysfunction, and may result in long-term complications.

DRESS may occur from taking one of over 50 commonly prescribed medications— anticonvulsants and antibiotics being the top offenders. In addition to drugs viral reactivation (mostly HHV-6), immune dysfunction, and a genetic predisposition play a role. 

Unfortunately, no one is guaranteed immunity from DRESS. 

DRESS can affect anyone who takes or is administered medication, and can be difficult to predict. However, we are discovering more and more that a genetic predisposition to DRESS exists for certain medication. This predisposition can vary depending on the drug and the population. For instance, some Han Chinese carry a genetic risk (HLA-B*5801) for DRESS to the gout drug, allopurinol. Some populations of European ancestry carry a high risk (HLA-A*32:01) for a reaction to the antibiotic, Vancomycin.

As the field of pharmacogenomics progresses, we hope to discover the genetic connection between all severe adverse reactions and the drugs related to them. Identifying these genetic susceptibility factors is what will prevent occurrence and save lives. 

WHY DOES THIS MATTER TO US?

You might not know, but Tasha Tolliver is not only a dear friend of Verdalina, but the person behind all our photography. Tasha became aware of the large absence of knowledge surrounding DRESS Syndrome after her daughter Izzy’s unexpected death in 2015 from DRESS–induced eosinophilic myocarditis, caused by Bactrim.

A year spent researching the condition and making connections with DRESS Syndrome experts led Tasha to believe that a better understanding of DRESS could have saved her daughter’s life. Driven by this knowledge, she became determined to deepen medical awareness, understanding, and treatment of DRESS Syndrome.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

After learning more, if you want to show your support you can do so via social media. On Tuesday, July 16, 2024 will help amplify and deepen who learns about DRESS Syndrome. Make your own, or use their pre-made social art and unite the conversation with these hashtags:

#VoicesForDRESS

#SharingMyVoice

#DRESSaware

THANK YOU

DRESS Syndrome simply is not that well known. While currently viewed of as a "rare" disease, it is underdiagnosed and underreported. True incidence is unknown, yet it is more prevalent than once thought. Many physicians have not heard of DRESS or treated a DRESS patient and, so they may not suspect it. 

That’s why your help makes a difference. Learn more about DRESS.