About sweet syndrome

What is sweet syndrome?

Sweet syndrome is a rare skin disorder characterized by fever, inflammation of the joints (arthritis), and the sudden onset of a rash. The rash consists of bluish-red, tender papules that usually occur on the arms, legs, face or neck, most often on one side of the body (asymmetric). In approximately 80 percent of cases, Sweet syndrome occurs by itself for no known reason (idiopathic). In 10 to 20 percent of cases, the disorder is associated with an underlying malignancy, usually a hematologic malignancy such as certain types of leukemia. The exact cause of Sweet syndrome is unknown.

What are the symptoms for sweet syndrome?

Neck and back symptom was found in the sweet syndrome condition

See your doctor if you develop a painful, red Rash that quickly grows in size.

What are the causes for sweet syndrome?

In most cases, the cause of Sweet's syndrome isn't known. The condition is sometimes associated with blood cancers, such as leukemia, or solid tumors, such as breast or colon cancer. It might also occur as a reaction to a medication — most commonly a type of drug that boosts production of white blood cells.

What are the treatments for sweet syndrome?

Sweet's syndrome might go away without treatment. But medications can speed the process. The most common medications used for this condition are corticosteroids:

  • Pills. Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, work very well but will affect your entire body. Unless you only have a few lesions, you'll likely need to take oral corticosteroids. Long-term use can cause side effects, such as weight gain, insomnia and weakened bones.
  • Creams or ointments. These preparations usually affect just the portion of skin where they're applied, but they can cause thinning skin.
  • Injections. Another option is to inject a small amount of corticosteroid right into each lesion. This may be less feasible for people who have many lesions.

You'll need to take the drug for several weeks to prevent relapse. If long-term corticosteroid use is a problem for you, ask your doctor about other prescription medications that might help. Some common alternatives to corticosteroids are:

  • Dapsone
  • Potassium iodide
  • Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare)

What are the risk factors for sweet syndrome?

Sweet's syndrome is uncommon, but certain factors increase your risk, including:

  • Sex. In general, women are more likely to have Sweet's syndrome than are men.
  • Age. Though older adults and even infants can develop Sweet's syndrome, the condition mainly affects people between the ages of 30 and 60.
  • Cancer. Sweet's syndrome is sometimes associated with cancer, most often leukemia but also breast or colon cancer.
  • Other health problems. Sweet's syndrome may follow an upper respiratory infection, and many people report having flu-like symptoms before the rash appears. Sweet's syndrome can also be associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Pregnancy. Some women develop Sweet's syndrome during pregnancy.
  • Drug sensitivity. Sweet's syndrome may result from a sensitivity to certain medications, including azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, antibiotics and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

This condition does not appear to have a racial predilection.

Is there a cure/medications for sweet syndrome?

An uncommon skin condition, that causes fever and painful rashes due to boosted production of blood cells is known as Sweet Syndrome.
It can be caused due to risks during pregnancy, the reaction of some medicines, and other common factors like age, sex, cancer, and health issues.

Diagnosis:
The Sweet Syndrome detects via two methods:

  • Blood Test: Presence of WBCs and blood disorders
  • Skin Biopsy: skin tissue determined under a microscope


Cure/medications:
Mild cases of Sweet Syndrome go away without treatment, but necessary precautions and medications can speed the recovery:

  • Creams and Ointments: Helps in reducing the itch, and redness by thinning the skin tissues.
  • Pills: Oral medications prescribed by doctors can provide relief from pain and scars but could have side effects. It is better to take them in low dosages.
  • Injections: If the itch and the boils do not reduce, a small amount of corticosteroid inject into them.

All three options are feasible only if the disorder is mild and controllable. If things go severe, advisable effective treatment with all the necessary queries.

Preparation of Appointment:
A few things to be kept in mind meeting the doctor can help diagnose the real cause and provide early recovery.

  • List of medications, supplements, and doses
  • Queries to ask from the doctor
  • Related and non-related symptoms to the rash and the time since they are happening


Symptoms
Skin rashes on face, neck and arms,Fever, Small red bumps on arms, neck and back,Painful Clusters
Conditions
Lesions,Eruptions,Infection,Drug Sensitivity,Flu,Bowel Diseases,Cancer
Drugs
Dapsone,Potassium Iodide,Colchicine,Prednisone,Corticosteroids,Mitigare,Colcrys

Video related to sweet syndrome