Sweet Syndrome
Sweet syndrome, also called acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (AFND), is an uncommon disorder marked by the sudden onset of high fever, a raised white blood cell count and painful red papules and plaques. It develops when large numbers of mature neutrophils flood into the dermis. The condition falls into three main groups: idiopathic (classic), malignancy-associated and drug-induced.
At Haute-Derma, we treat Sweet syndrome as a dermatologic emergency that calls for prompt, precise care. Because it often comes with whole-body symptoms and can be an early warning of a hidden malignancy, our approach goes beyond calming the skin inflammation to include broad systemic screening. Our specialists will help you get the pain and fever under control and restore your skin as safely as possible.
How We Diagnose Sweet Syndrome
Diagnosis at Haute-Derma follows strict international criteria so that Sweet syndrome is not mistaken for a skin infection:
- Major criteria: We confirm the abrupt appearance of tender red plaques or firm papules, together with a dense neutrophilic infiltrate on biopsy.
- Minor criteria: We look for fever above 38°C, a good response to systemic corticosteroids and raised blood markers of inflammation (ESR, CRP).
- Dermoscopy: We examine the polycyclic erythema and characteristic areas of dermal edema, sometimes with a pseudovesicular appearance.
- Skin biopsy: Histology shows a dense neutrophilic infiltrate in the upper dermis without features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
- Screening for associated conditions: We order a complete blood count (CBC), liver and kidney function tests and, when there is any suspicion, cancer screening, with particular attention to blood cancers.
Common Clinical Types
The main forms of Sweet syndrome are:
- Classic (idiopathic) Sweet syndrome: Most often seen in middle-aged women, typically following a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection.
- Malignancy-associated Sweet syndrome: May appear before, alongside or after a cancer diagnosis; acute myeloid leukemia is the most frequent link.
- Drug-induced Sweet syndrome: A reaction to medicines such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), certain antibiotics or cancer drugs.
Why Choose Haute-Derma for Treatment?
Because we treat more than the rash. At Haute-Derma, you receive a full assessment to rule out malignant causes, and we use modern treatment protocols that help your skin recover as quickly as possible while protecting your overall health.
