Sweet Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of Sweet syndrome?

Sweet syndrome, also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is characterized by a set of symptoms primarily affecting the skin. The key symptoms include:

• Fever: Elevated body temperature is often present and can be quite high.
• Skin Lesions: Painful, reddish-purple nodules or plaques typically appear on the skin. These lesions are often located on the face, neck, arms, or trunk but can occur anywhere on the body.
• Skin Inflammation: The affected skin areas may be swollen, warm, and tender to the touch.
• General Malaise: A general feeling of unwellness or discomfort, which may accompany fever and skin symptoms.
• Joint Pain: Some individuals may experience arthritis-like symptoms, including joint pain and swelling.
• Muscle Pain: Myalgias or muscle aches may also be present in conjunction with other symptoms.

Sweet syndrome is often associated with underlying conditions such as infections, malignancies, or systemic diseases. The specific presentation can vary based on the individual and the underlying cause.

What are the causes of Sweet syndrome?

Sweet syndrome, or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, can arise from various underlying conditions and triggers. The causes and associations include:

• Infections: Sweet syndrome can be triggered by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. It may be an immune response to the infection.
• Malignancies: The syndrome is sometimes associated with certain cancers, particularly hematologic malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) can be linked to Sweet syndrome.
• Drug Reactions: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or medications used in cancer therapy, may trigger Sweet syndrome as an adverse reaction.
• Pregnancy: In rare cases, Sweet syndrome can occur during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.
• Systemic Conditions: Other systemic diseases or conditions, including Behçet’s disease or vasculitis, can be associated with Sweet syndrome.
• Idiopathic Cases: In some instances, no specific underlying cause or trigger is identified, and Sweet syndrome occurs without a known association.

Identifying and treating the underlying cause or trigger is an essential part of managing Sweet syndrome.

What is the treatment for Sweet syndrome?

Treatment for Sweet syndrome focuses on alleviating symptoms and addressing any underlying conditions or triggers. Common approaches include:

• Corticosteroids: Systemic corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are typically the first-line treatment for Sweet syndrome. They help reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and resolve skin lesions.
• Other Immunosuppressive Medications: If corticosteroids are not effective or suitable, other immunosuppressive drugs, such as dapsone, colchicine, or azathioprine, may be used. These medications can help manage inflammation and symptoms.
• Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Addressing any associated conditions, such as infections or malignancies, is crucial. This may involve antibiotics for infections, chemotherapy for cancer, or treatment for autoimmune diseases.
• Supportive Care: Pain management and symptomatic relief are important aspects of care. This may include topical treatments or analgesics to help alleviate discomfort from skin lesions.
• Discontinuation of Triggering Medications: If a medication is suspected to be the cause of Sweet syndrome, discontinuing or switching the medication may help resolve the symptoms.
• Regular Monitoring: Follow-up with a healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, adjust medications as needed, and manage any potential side effects is essential.

The treatment plan is tailored to the individual based on the severity of the syndrome, the presence of underlying conditions, and the response to initial therapies.