Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for SJS/TEN?

• A. Vitamin C deficiency
• B. HIV infection
• C. UV Light therapy
• D. Lupus (SLE)

Answer: (A)

SJS and TEN are severe, immune-mediated reactions most often triggered by drugs, with risk heightened by factors that influence immune response or drug exposure. HIV infection increases risk because of immune dysregulation and heavy medication use; autoimmune diseases like lupus (SLE) reflect immune system abnormalities that can predispose to exaggerated drug reactions. UV light therapy by itself is not a recognized risk factor for SJS/TEN, even though phototherapy interacts with particular drugs in other photosensitive events, it isn’t a classic driver of these syndromes. Vitamin C deficiency, while it affects wound healing and collagen synthesis, does not predispose to or cause SJS/TEN.