SWEET SYNDROME

What is Sweet Syndrome?

Sweet Syndrome (also known as Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis) is an uncommon skin reaction characterized by bright red, smooth, tender, painful papules that together from a sharply bordered plaque, along with a fever, an increased white blood cell count, and a skin biopsy demonstrates white blood cells infiltrating the dermal layer of the skin.  This syndrome can be associated with infection, malignancy, or drugs.  It is more common in females and occurs mostly in the age range of 30 to 60.  

What causes Sweet Syndrome?

The exact cause of Sweet Syndrome is unknown.  Due to the fact that it has been associated with infections, malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease, and drugs suggests some type of hypersensitivity reaction may be the cause.

What is the treatment for Sweet Syndrome?

In many cases the lesions will clear without intervention and the syndrome is not a serious health risk for the patient.  However, the standard treatment is a course of prednisone and the lesions clear more quickly with a course of therapy.