Surreal illustration symbolizing the connection between Sweet Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Sweet Syndrome & Lupus: Unmasking the Connection

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Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how this rare skin condition can signal underlying autoimmune issues."


Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin. While the condition itself can manifest in a variety of ways on the skin, sometimes individuals with lupus may experience other, seemingly unrelated skin conditions, such as Sweet syndrome. Recognizing this connection is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.

Sweet syndrome, also known as acute neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by the sudden appearance of painful, red or purplish bumps and patches on the skin, often accompanied by fever. While Sweet syndrome can occur on its own, it can also be associated with underlying conditions, including infections, malignancies, and, in some cases, autoimmune diseases like lupus.

This article delves into the case of a 65-year-old woman with a history of SLE who presented with Sweet syndrome. By examining her symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, we aim to shed light on the potential link between these two conditions and emphasize the importance of recognizing Sweet syndrome as a possible manifestation of lupus.

Decoding the Connection: Sweet Syndrome and SLE

Surreal illustration symbolizing the connection between Sweet Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

The case study highlights a 65-year-old woman with SLE who developed a sudden, painful rash across her chest. This rash, characterized by raised, red bumps and pus-filled lesions, was accompanied by a low-grade fever. Laboratory tests revealed abnormalities in her blood counts, including a decrease in white blood cells (leukopenia) and anemia. A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Sweet syndrome, revealing a characteristic pattern of inflammation with a high concentration of neutrophils.

While the exact cause of Sweet syndrome remains unclear, it is believed to be triggered by an abnormal immune response. In individuals with SLE, the immune system is already dysregulated, leading to chronic inflammation and the production of autoantibodies that attack the body's own tissues. This underlying immune dysregulation may predispose individuals with lupus to develop Sweet syndrome.

Several factors can contribute to the development of Sweet syndrome, including:
  • Infections
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Drug exposure
  • Pregnancy
  • Malignancy
Interestingly, in some cases, Sweet syndrome can be the first sign of underlying lupus. This underscores the importance of considering autoimmune diseases in the differential diagnosis of Sweet syndrome, especially when other potential causes have been ruled out. Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and preventing potential complications.

Managing Sweet Syndrome in Lupus Patients

The cornerstone of treatment for Sweet syndrome is corticosteroids, such as prednisone. In the reported case, the patient experienced rapid improvement and complete resolution of her skin rash with oral prednisone. However, due to the potential side effects of long-term corticosteroid use, alternative treatment options may be considered, especially for individuals who experience recurrent episodes of Sweet syndrome.

Other treatment options for Sweet syndrome include colchicine and dapsone. These medications work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the activity of neutrophils. In addition to medical treatment, it is important to address any underlying conditions, such as lupus, to prevent further episodes of Sweet syndrome.

The connection between Sweet syndrome and lupus highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management. By recognizing the potential association between these two conditions, clinicians can ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life. If you suspect you may have Sweet syndrome, especially if you have a history of lupus or other autoimmune disorders, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000000904, Alternate LINK

Title: Sweet Syndrome In A Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Subject: Rheumatology

Journal: JCR: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Authors: Aparna Das, Ryan Burmeister, Ronak Chhaya, Bernard Eisenga, Anupam Kumar

Published: 2018-09-21

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is Sweet syndrome, and how does it manifest on the skin?

Sweet syndrome, also known as acute neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by the sudden appearance of painful, red or purplish bumps and patches on the skin. These skin changes are often accompanied by fever. It's important to note that while Sweet syndrome can occur independently, it can also be associated with underlying conditions, including infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.

2

What is the connection between Sweet syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

The connection lies in the immune system. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation. This dysregulation can predispose individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus to develop Sweet syndrome. While the exact cause of Sweet syndrome is not fully understood, an abnormal immune response is believed to be a trigger.

3

How is Sweet syndrome typically managed in patients who also have systemic lupus erythematosus, and what are the potential limitations of the primary treatment?

Corticosteroids, like prednisone, are a primary treatment for Sweet syndrome. In the case mentioned, the patient with systemic lupus erythematosus experienced rapid improvement with oral prednisone. However, due to potential side effects from long-term corticosteroid use, alternative treatments might be considered, especially for recurrent episodes of Sweet syndrome. The article does not mention specific alternatives, but other immunosuppressants might be explored.

4

Besides lupus, what are some other factors or conditions that might trigger the development of Sweet syndrome?

Several factors can contribute to Sweet syndrome, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, drug exposure, pregnancy and malignancy. Recognizing these potential triggers is important for managing Sweet syndrome, especially in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus, where the immune system is already compromised. The interplay between these triggers and the dysregulated immune response in lupus can increase the risk of developing Sweet syndrome.

5

Can Sweet syndrome indicate an undiagnosed case of lupus, and why is early recognition important?

Sweet syndrome is a rare inflammatory skin condition that can sometimes be the first sign of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This highlights the importance of considering autoimmune diseases when diagnosing Sweet syndrome, especially after ruling out other potential causes. Early diagnosis is important for starting the right treatment and preventing possible problems that could arise.

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