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Sweet's syndrome, also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare skin disorder. It causes fever and a severe skin rash, which mainly develops on the arms, face, and neck.
Sweet's syndrome has no known origin, however it might be induced by an infection, illness, or medication. It can also happen with certain types of cancer.
Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, are the most commonly used treatment for Sweet's syndrome. Signs and symptoms may disappear after only a few days of treatment, although they may reappear.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWEET'S SYNDROME?
Sweet's syndrome has the following signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Small red lumps on your arms, cheeks, neck, or back that are painful
- Bumps that expand rapidly, forming painful clusters up to an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SWEET'S SYNDROME?
Most of the time, the reason of Sweet's syndrome is unknown. The disorder is sometimes linked to blood cancers like leukemia or solid tumors like breast or colon cancer. It could also happen as a side effect of a treatment, most commonly a drug that increases the production of white blood cells.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR SWEET'S SYNDROME?
Sweet's syndrome is rare, although some variables raise your chances, including:
- Sex: In general, women are more likely than men to have Sweet's syndrome.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, some women develop Sweet's syndrome.
- Age: Though elderly individuals and infants can develop Sweet's syndrome, the disorder primarily affects those aged 30 to 60.
- Cancer: Sweet's syndrome has been linked to cancer, most commonly leukemia, but also breast and colon cancer.
- Other health issues: Sweet's syndrome can occur after an upper respiratory infection, and many persons describe flu-like symptoms prior to the rash appearing. Sweet's syndrome is also linked to inflammatory bowel illness.
- Sensitivity to drugs: Sweet's syndrome can be caused by a reaction to certain medications, such as azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
This disorder does not appear to be racial in nature.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF SWEET'S SYNDROME?
There is a chance that the skin lesions will get infected. Follow your doctor's instructions for treating the afflicted skin.
When Sweet's syndrome is coupled with cancer, the lesions' eruptions may be the first indicator of cancer emerging or recurring.
HOW IS SWEET'S SYNDROME DIAGNOSED?
A dermatologist (a specialist who specializes in skin problems) may be able to identify Sweet's syndrome merely by looking at your skin. However, testing may be required before your doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis. The following tests can be used to screen persons for Sweet's syndrome:
- Blood tests: A sample of your blood may be sent to a laboratory to be examined for an abnormally high number of white blood cells and certain blood diseases.
- Skin biopsy: A small piece of damaged tissue is removed by your doctor for evaluation under a microscope. The tissue is examined to see if it contains the distinctive anomalies of Sweet's syndrome.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SWEET'S SYNDROME?
Sweet's syndrome may resolve on its own. Medication, on the other hand, can hasten the process. Corticosteroids are the most commonly used drugs for this condition:
- Pills: Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, work quite effectively but have a wide-ranging effect. Unless you only have a few lesions, you will most likely need to take corticosteroids orally. Long-term use can result in weight gain, sleeplessness, and bone deterioration.
- Ointments and creams: These preparations normally only affect the area of skin where they are applied, but they can cause skin thinning.
- Injections: Another possibility is to inject a little dose of corticosteroid directly into each lesion. This may be less viable for persons who have a large number of lesions.
To avoid recurrence, you must take the medication for several weeks. If you have a problem with long-term corticosteroid use, talk to your doctor about other prescription drugs that might assist. Alternatives to corticosteroids include:
- Dapsone
- Potassium iodide
- Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare)
HOW CAN SWEET'S SYNDROME BE PREVENTED?
Avoiding prolonged sun exposure is an effective approach to avoid recurrences of Sweet's syndrome. Good sun protection methods, according to the Mayo Clinic, include the following:
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Wear protective clothes, such as hats with wide brims, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses.
- Schedule outside activities away from midday and early afternoon, when the sun is at its hottest.
- When you're outside, try to spend some time in the shade.
CONCLUSION
Sweet syndrome symptoms usually go away on their own or with medical treatment. The symptoms could last weeks or months. Symptoms may continue longer if they are caused by a medical condition or medication.