Sweet syndrome (sudden painful red bumps with fever)

Overview

Bumps often appear suddenly on the arms, face, and neck with a high fever.

Doctors check for underlying infections, medicines, or blood conditions.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Painful red bumps with fever
• Rash

Less common

• Sore eyes
• Joint aches

Look up a symptom: Fever · Rash

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Biopsy:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Take steroid medicine as prescribed
• Use cool compresses

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Tell doctors which medicine caused it

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women 30 to 60: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually improves quickly with steroids.

Steroids clear it in weeks.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Should I be checked for other conditions?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Sweet syndrome (sudden painful red bumps with fever)