Specialist Doctor I Tran Thi My Linh, from the Dermatology and Aesthetics Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, states that Sweet's syndrome is also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. This rare inflammatory skin condition is characterized by the sudden onset of painful red patches or nodules on the skin, often accompanied by fever and systemic inflammation. The condition results from an overactive immune system, leading to neutrophils accumulating in the skin and causing inflammation.

Tin's skin biopsy results confirmed Sweet's syndrome, showing dense neutrophilic infiltration in the dermis. The condition primarily affects individuals aged 30-60, with a higher incidence in women than men, and is rare in young men. At 21, Tin falls into the early-onset group, experiencing rapid progression.

Doctor Linh examines lesions on Tin. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Linh notes that Sweet's syndrome is often misdiagnosed due to initial symptoms resembling drug allergies, skin infections, or other dermatological conditions, if not thoroughly examined. A distinguishing feature of this syndrome is that skin lesions are typically accompanied by fever, fatigue, joint pain, and inflammatory markers in the blood. Therefore, it is not merely a skin disease but also reflects an immune response disorder.

The exact cause of the condition remains unclear, but it can be triggered by infections, certain medications, or underlying inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Tin had been self-medicating with antibiotics for a cold and cough over a long period before the onset of his symptoms. "This is a risk factor associated with the appearance of Sweet's syndrome", Doctor Linh stated.

Sweet's syndrome can also serve as a warning sign for some individuals with malignancies. Studies indicate that it may appear concurrently with or precede the diagnosis of certain cancers, particularly hematologic conditions like acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and less commonly, solid organ tumors.

After ruling out other serious causes and conducting a comprehensive health assessment, doctors developed a treatment regimen for Tin using appropriate anti-inflammatory medication. After about one week, the red patches on his face, neck, and two hands began to subside, redness decreased, pain disappeared, no new lesions appeared, and his fever reduced.

The lesions on Tin's hands have stabilized after one week of treatment. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Doctor Linh, Tin responded well to treatment, but Sweet's syndrome still carries a risk of recurrence if triggering factors or underlying causes are not controlled. Patients require regular follow-up appointments as advised by their doctor.

Individuals experiencing unexplained prolonged fever accompanied by painful red patches, papules, or nodules on the skin, or unusually rapidly spreading skin lesions, should seek early medical attention. Correct diagnosis and timely treatment not only effectively control skin lesions but also help detect potential underlying conditions.

Minh Huong

*Patient's name has been changed