What is National DRESS Syndrome Day?
On July 16, we recognize this day worldwide to build awareness of DRESS Syndrome and honor patients who’ve experienced this severe drug reaction. Our goal is to unite our global community — patients, loved ones, and medical and research professionals — while recognizing those whose lives have forever changed as a result of this life-threatening disease.
Our 2026 Theme: All Hands on DRESS
“All Hands on DRESS" is about driving action to better understand — and ultimately — prevent DRESS Syndrome.
It’s about supporting …
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patients' urgent need for prompt understanding, diagnosis, and treatment
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caregivers and loved ones with their emotional and physical loads
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researchers with dedicated funding that helps them to better understand DRESS and related severe drug reactions
Every day around the world, people are experiencing the devastating effects of severe drug reactions like DRESS Syndrome. And each year, people are being harmed and losing their lives from this under-researched and misunderstood condition.
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To date, no dedicated funding stream exists in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for research into severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including DRESS and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN).
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Our goal is to change this outcome. To do so, we need All Hands on DRESS!
How You Can Get Involved
Join us this July 16 and help us spread awareness about DRESS Syndrome. You have various ways to get involved! #AllHandsOnDRESS
Wear the color purple
Wear our awareness purple color to unite with our community. Take a picture and share it online with #AllHandsOnDRESS. You can also wear one of our awareness shirts and other swag.
Nominate your 2026 DRESS Hero
DRESS Hero is our annual awards event where we celebrate medical professionals from around the world who excel at treating and caring for DRESS Syndrome patients. Nominations come from patients and loved ones. Nominate your DRESS Hero!
Use our DRESS awareness ribbon
​Spread the word about DRESS Syndrome by downloading and using the awareness ribbon. Include it in artwork and designs. Post on social media. Share why raising awareness matters to you.
Register your case of DRESS Syndrome
Registering your case is another way you can help the medical and research communities better understand this relatively unknown disease. Register with us.
Share your personal DRESS story
One way we educate people about DRESS Syndrome is by sharing stories from patients who have experienced this debilitating condition. Your story helps people understand how the medicines we take can sometimes hurt us — and the prompt, critical, and collaborative care patients need to overcome and survive this illness. Share your personal DRESS story with us!
In Loving Memory
Most people will recover from their DRESS reaction. However, an estimated 10% of people will not survive this disease. Join us in honoring the individuals from around the world who lost their battle with DRESS Syndrome — as well as everyone who is unspoken and unnamed.