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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffIn some cases, Sweet's syndrome resolves without treatment. But medications can speed the process dramatically. The most common medications used for Sweet's syndrome are corticosteroids, which come in a variety of forms, including:
- Pills. Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, work very well but will affect your entire body. Long-term use can cause weight gain and weakened bones.
- Creams or ointments. These preparations usually affect just the portion of skin where they're applied, but can cause thinning skin.
- Injections. Another option is to inject a small amount of corticosteroid right into each lesion. This may be less feasible for people who have a great number of lesions.
To avoid the side effects associated with long-term corticosteroid use, your doctor may suggest other types of oral medications, including:
- Dapsone
- Potassium iodide
- Colchicine
- Indomethacin
- Clofazimine
- Cyclosporine
References
- Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=740. Accessed Oct. 15, 2012.
- Moschella SL. Neutrophilic dermatoses. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Oct. 15, 2012.
- Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Oct. 15, 2012.
- Saag KG, et al. Major side effects of systemic glucocorticoids. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Oct. 15, 2012.
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