### What is Sweet Syndrome? Sweet syndrome, also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare skin condition characterized by fever and a sudden rash. The rash consists of tender, red or bluish-red bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. These bumps can grow quickly and merge into larger patches. The rash can be painful and may develop blisters or pimple-like bumps that can break open and become infected. ### Causes Sweet syndrome can be triggered by various factors, including infections, malignancies (such as cancer), pregnancy, and drug exposure. Some common drugs that can cause Sweet syndrome include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like Advil or Motrin) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, which is used to help fight infections in some cancer patients. ### Symptoms - Fever - Sudden rash with multiple lesions - Tender, red or bluish-red bumps - Painful rash - Blisters or pimple-like bumps - Swollen joints (in some cases) ### Diagnosis Doctors can often diagnose Sweet syndrome by examining the rash. However, additional tests may be needed to rule out other conditions or identify the underlying cause. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, and possibly a skin biopsy. ### Treatment Sweet syndrome can sometimes resolve on its own without treatment, but this can take weeks or months. The primary treatment involves corticosteroids, which can help reduce redness, itching, swelling, and allergic reactions. Steroid creams or gels may be used for smaller lumps, while more severe cases may require steroid injections directly into the lumps. If an underlying condition like cancer or a drug reaction is causing Sweet syndrome, treating that condition can help clear the skin. ### Prognosis Most of the time, the rash heals without leaving scars, although the skin may remain discolored for months. Sweet syndrome can recur, especially if it was initially triggered by cancer. If symptoms return, it may indicate a recurrence of the underlying condition, and you should see your doctor immediately.