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From sweet syndrome to pemphigus foliaceus: An unusual transition

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A 70-year-old lady presented with acute onset of tender erythematous papules and plaques associated with fever and severe fatigue. Histopathology showed predominant neutrophilic dermal infiltration, and a diagnosis of sweet syndrome was made. The patient started on oral doxycycline and topical steroids, and the lesions started resolving. Two months later, the patient presented with altered morphology of lesions, simulating pemphigus foliaceus, and it was confirmed with a Tzanck smear, histopathology, and direct immunofluorescence. The patient started on dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy and has responded well. It is worth considering whether the first appearance, which resembles sweet syndrome, is a precursor of pemphigus foliaceus or an aberrant presentation of pemphigus itself. The occurrence of both conditions in the same individual in such a short period of time makes this a unique case.

Source: Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

DOI: 10.25259/jsstd_10_2025

Authors: Theresa S. Kandathil, Kevin Frank Maneek, Joan Felicita Samson, Rojin Das Rema Yesudasan

Institution: Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College and Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Autoimmune Bullous Skin Diseases

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4409679003

FWCI:

Cites: 9

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Related to: 10