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Infantile Sweet Syndrome Presenting with Recurrent Vesiculobullous Lesions: The Role of Primary Care in Diagnosing Rare Dermatologic Conditions

Karolina BRAUN, Elena KLUSOVA NOGUINA, Yusianmar MARIANI BORRERO, Raquel GÓMEZ BRAVO, Hamid ALIAHMAD, Kerime DURSUN, Ana PERAL MARTÍN, Tiago SILVA OLIVEIRA and Małgorzata WARSZAWSKA SOCHA

Infantile Sweet syndrome is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis that may present with polymorphic skin lesions, fever, and systemic symptoms. Because its manifestations overlap with common pediatric diagnoses, primary care plays a crucial role in early suspicion, referral, and follow-up.A 5-year-old boy presented with recurrent episodes of painful vesiculobullous lesions on the face, ears, hands, and forearms over several months. Initial episodes were interpreted as insect bites or viral exanthems. Later, during a febrile episode, he developed a widespread urticariform rash affecting palms, soles, genital area, and face. Prior clinical assessments and treatments produced partial or no improvement. A skin biopsy revealed subepidermal blistering with neutrophilic and eosinophilic infiltrates, consistent with Sweet syndrome. Serology showed Mycoplasma IgM positivity and ANA 1:160 granular pattern. Systemic corticosteroids resulted in rapid improvement. The case required repeated primary care reviews to monitor symptom recurrence, treatment response, and potential complications.Infantile Sweet syndrome is uncommon and often under-recognised in its vesiculobullous form. Literature predominantly describes papular or plaque-type lesions, making this polymorphic presentation unusual. The case highlights the diagnostic challenge  when recurrent lesions mimic infectious, allergic, or autoimmune diseases. Its contribution lies in demonstrating a rare pediatric presentation detected through longitudinal primary care follow-up.Primary care physicians should consider neutrophilic dermatoses in recurrent vesiculobullous pediatric eruptions, especially when initial treatments fail. This case illustrates the value of early biopsy and multidisciplinary coordination. Increasing awareness may reduce diagnostic delays, unnecessary antibiotic use, and caregiver distress. Future practice should include systematic review of recurrent dermatologic presentations and early referral for histopathology.The diagnostic complexity of this case reflects the wide differential for pediatric vesiculobullous lesions, including erythema multiforme, vasculitis, childhood lupus, and bullous pemphigoid. Primary care continuity allowed recognition of a pattern of recurrence, prompting referral for biopsy. Evidence supports systemic corticosteroids as first-line treatment in pediatric Sweet syndrome. The case shows how early identification improves outcomes and avoids prolonged morbidity.This case emphasizes the importance of primary care in identifying rare dermatologic conditions through continuity, pattern recognition, and timely referral. Awareness of atypical presentations of infantile Sweet syndrome can improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary treatments.