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Welcome to the DRESS Syndrome Foundation
We're glad you found us.

DRESS Syndrome is life-threatening, delayed reaction to medicine that anyone can develop DRESS from primarily taking one of over 50 medicines. This severe condition can cause major organ dysfunction and may result in long-term complications.

DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. The condition also goes by the name Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS). DRESS is a severe, cutaneous, adverse reaction, also known as SCAR. 

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The first symptoms of DRESS Syndrome are usually a fever followed by a rash and, often, a swollen face. DRESS symptoms can get worse and severely affect multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Some of these symptoms can emerge weeks to months after the first signs of DRESS show, meaning doctors should monitor patients for a long time.

Is DRESS Syndrome rare?

While currently thought of as a "rare" condition, it is under-diagnosed and under-reported, and many doctors have never treated a DRESS patient. To date, 1 in 1,000 to 10,000 people may develop DRESS Syndrome. Many patients have been in and out of the ER, are hospitalized, and undergo many tests before receiving a DRESS diagnosis.


Fortunately, you can find a way forward.

We understand what you're going through.
You are not alone.

Prescription Drugs

At the DRESS Syndrome Foundation, we’re a collaborative network of patients, families, researchers, and physicians dedicated to supporting people experiencing DRESS. We also educate the public and medical communities about the syndrome, and advocate for advanced research and treatment.

 

Our goal is to support patients and their loved ones while deepening medical awareness. You deserve answers. You deserve to receive the treatment that helps you survive DRESS Syndrome.

 

We’re here to help.

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Your gift helps patients and families facing a life-threatening drug reaction. 💜

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Help improve understanding of DRESS. Register your case of DRESS Syndrome

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Listen to our podcast:

colorful pills spill onto the bottom of the picture against a white background. text says, Addressing DRESS, a podcast production from The DRESS Syndrome Foundation, DRESSsyndromefoundation.org

Contact us

DRESS Syndrome Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2020.​

 

Tax ID (EIN): 84-3088907

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info@dresssyndromefoundation.org

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© 2025 DRESS Syndrome Foundation. All rights reserved.

Legal: This website is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat DRESS or any other type of disease. Every patient’s situation is unique. We are a patient advocacy organization and are not medically trained. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site. In the hope of creating better awareness, we encourage you to share what you learn here with your medical team and others. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.  

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