It’s always hard to elaborate on such rare skin disease. Sweet’s syndrome is one such condition. With the little available cases, scientists work hard to connect the dots. Its chief manifestations are a fever and rashes around the body. These lesions can be discolorations or nodural, no matter the location. It is one of the strangest diseases in existence. Most often, it doesn’t come accompanied by other conditions. But thankfully, it’s treatable.
Leukemia
Leukemia is characterized by an overabundance of white blood cells. It’s obvious that Sweet’s syndrome follows suit. Leukocytes multiply at an incredible rate and may be the cause of the skin lesions. There are cases where the severity of leukemia dictates the abundance of lesions. Leukemia can be a tricky factor in treatment; severe treatments aren’t recommended. Your doctor will usually administer some kind of ointment to your affected parts. It will usually do the trick if the lesions and discolorations aren’t too widespread.
Solid tumors
Cancer may be the leading cause of Sweet’s syndrome. It is being viewed as an autoimmune disorder. It is manifested through an overabundance of white blood cells. Also, it is the sign of the body battling the cancerous growth. The body will fight hard to get rid of the growth and the fight it may leave marks. Corticosteroids are the best treatment for Sweet’s syndrome, but only in small doses. Steroidal medications are bad news if you’re battling cancer. They may enhance the growth. Weaker corticosteroids should be taken. Potassium iodide is one good alternative if you have a tumor.
Inflammation
Various serious inflammations also bring forth a plethora of white blood cells. They will attack the cause, causing an autoimmune reaction in the process. Sweet’s syndrome is thus best described as a syndrome that reacts to another syndrome. It may be a little confusing, because, frankly, it is. Even experts can wrap their heads around it. Since inflammations are classified as low-risk threats, corticosteroids are in order. They will cut the lesions and rashes in a short time. In this case, orally administered corticosteroids will be your medication of choice.
Respiratory infections
There have been cases where flu-like symptoms get mixed with rashes and lesions. Sweet’s syndrome follows other conditions. It somehow mirrors the reaction the body has. A British study of 50 cases showed that 39% of those patients saw the rashes in several days after a slight cold. In this case, the rashes won’t be too severe or widespread. If there are bigger discolorations, it would be best to cover them with a crème. This way, you won’t have any adverse effects, and the condition will forever disappear.
Pregnancy
Some studies show that Sweet’s syndrome also preys on organisms with a lowered immune system. Such is the case during female pregnancy, as the woman gives all her nutrients to the baby. During that period, there may be several instances where the leukocytes go “crazy.” In this case, it’s best to consult with your gynecologist and dermatologist. By combining tests from every facet of your health, they will come to the best possible solution. Usually, a medication called Dapsone is the best bet for a quick recovery. It’s much less severe than corticosteroids.
Genetics
This aspect of Sweet’s syndrome is a large unknown. Since the condition was only discovered in 1964, it’s hard to prove or debunk this theory. Geneticists have quarreled about the possibility of several genetic markers existing. It is directly linked to Sweet’s syndrome. Such claims are not so well founded. But there is a possibility of significant breakthroughs soon. If one of your parents has suffered such a condition, you should be aware of higher chances of having it one day. Report your medical history to your dermatologist, and he’ll be aware of what to be wary of. You’ll likely need your red blood cells monitored on a regular basis.
Age-related sensitivity
Doctors have concluded one important facet of Sweet’s syndrome. It targets people of a particular age. Over 70% of all affected by it are in the age group from 30 to 60 years. This may shed some new light on the way we look at our immune system and how we deem our bodies during the aging process. The only treatment here is getting regular checkups. Also, you should be aware of Sweet’s syndrome is a possibility. Leukocytes are best to be monitored two times a year at least, to see if there are any irregularities.
Sensitivity to Azasan and Imuran
There have been several instances where medication triggers Sweet’s syndrome. Due to possible conflicts in the pharmacological industry, no concrete data goes live. Both of these drugs are immunosuppressant’s. They are usually taken after organ transplants. It happens just to cut the chances of rejection by the body. If Sweet’s syndrome appears, you should check it on a daily basis. The rash may be uncomfortable and annoying, but the transplant gets high on the priority list. Your doctor should be able to aid you.
Breast cancer
Women are actually more likely to have Sweet’s syndrome than men. Genetic markers may also be in play in this situation. Unlike other forms of cancer, breast cancer is more likely to be followed by Sweet’s syndrome. This is because it yields a special kind of immune reaction from the body, unlike any other type of tumor. There is a significant number of quality treatments available on the market. Amongst the most prominent ones are Colcrys and Mitigare. The two medications include a hight Colchicine concentration. This substance is among the most proficient ones when dealing with Sweet’s syndrome.
Antibiotics
Since antibiotics aid your immune system, they can cause chaos to ensue. They barge into such a sensitive facet of your health; they may startle the leukocytes. When this happens, there is a very low chance of you developing Sweet’s syndrome. The best treatment for this cause is ceasing all antibiotic intake. Because of this, the syndrome may be temporary and leave your body after a few days. After consulting your doctor, you will know which steps to take.