Still’s disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by high fevers, rash, sore throat, and joint pain. As it progresses, adult-onset Still’s disease may lead to chronic arthritis and other complications. Still’s disease was named after an English doctor named George Still, who described the condition in children in 1896. Still’s disease which occurs in children (those under the age of 16) is now known as systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). There’s no cure for adult-onset Still’s disease; however, treatment may offer symptom relief and help prevent complications. Most individuals with adult Still’s disease have a combination of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Fever. Daily fever of at least 102 F (38.9 C) for a week or longer. The fever usually peaks in the late afternoon or early evening.
  • Muscle pain. Muscular pain usually ebbs and flows with the fever, but the pain can be severe enough to disrupt daily activities.
  • Rash. A salmon-pink rash that usually appears on trunk, arms or legs.
  • Sore throat. The lymph nodes in one’s neck might be swollen and tender.
  • Achy and swollen joints. Joints (especially knees and wrists) may be stiff, painful and inflamed.

The signs and symptoms of this disorder can mimic those of other conditions, including lupus and a type of cancer called lymphoma.

 

Contact the Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center for more information on Still’s Disease.