Sweet syndrome is characterized by painful red-to-purple lesions, fever, and neutrophilic infiltration in the skin. It can arise spontaneously, due to infections, underlying systemic disease, or as a reaction to medications. Prompt discontinuation of the offending drug, combined with corticosteroids, usually resolves symptoms.
In this patient, stopping the inhaler and completing the steroid course led to full recovery. Her COPD treatment was later adjusted with careful monitoring to prevent further adverse effects.
The case highlights key lessons: even inhaled medications can have systemic effects; new rashes should never be ignored; early referral to dermatology can prevent escalation; and patients with complex medical histories require heightened vigilance.
Drug reactions, while rare, can be life-threatening. Prompt recognition, patient education, and swift intervention are crucial. For this woman, a small rash became a critical signal—reminding clinicians and patients alike that the skin can be one of the body’s most important messengers.
