Sweet Syndrome

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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General Discussion

Sweet syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by fever and the sudden onset of a rash, which consists of multiple tender, red or bluish-red bumps or lesions. These lesions usually occur on the arms, legs, trunk, face or neck. In some cases, additional systems of the body can become involved including the musculoskeletal system such as inflammation of the joints (arthritis), the eyes such as inflammation of the conjunctiva or the membrane that lines the eyes (conjunctivitis), and the internal organs. In the majority of affected individuals, the disorder occurs by itself for no known reason (idiopathic Sweet syndrome); this is also known as classical Sweet syndrome. Less often, the disorder can be associated with an underlying cancer (malignancy), usually a blood (hematologic) cancer such as certain types of leukemia; this is known as malignancy-associated Sweet syndrome. The disorder can also result as a reaction to taking certain drugs, especially a drug known as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor; this is known as drug-induced Sweet syndrome. Sweet syndrome is treated with corticosteroids.

Sweet syndrome was first described in the medical literature in 1964 by Dr. Robert Douglas Sweet. The disorder is classified as a neutrophilic dermatosis, which is a general term for a group of skin disorders characterized by the accumulation of neutrophils in the skin. Neutrophils are a specific type of white blood cell that is instrumental in fighting off infection by surrounding and destroying bacteria that enter the body. In Sweet syndrome neutrophils accumulate in the dermis, the thick layer of tissue just below the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).

Supporting Organizations

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/

NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Information Clearinghouse
One AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Tel: (301)495-4484
Fax: (301)718-6366
Tel: (877)226-4267
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov/

Sweet's Syndrome UK

168 Tweedsmuir Road
Tremorfa, Cardiff CF24 2RG
Email: helpforsweets@hotmail.co.uk
Website: https://helpforsweetssyndromeuk.wordpress.com/

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Last Updated:  10/15/2015
Copyright  2015 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.