Sweet syndrome (SS), or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by fever, painful raised plaques, and dermal neutrophilic infiltration. Pediatric cases account for only 5% of SS globally, and no report exists of SS in infants in the Philippines. This report documents a unique case of SS in a one-month-old male, one of the first documented in the country. The rarity of this condition in infants and its successful management contribute valuable insights into the understanding and treatment of pediatric SS.

A one-month-old male presented with fever, erythematous plaques on the face and extremities, and a rapidly growing nodule on the left lateral neck, along with concurrent fever and cough. Skin biopsy showed dermal neutrophilic infiltration without leukocytoclastic vasculitis, confirming SS. A CT scan revealed a neck abscess and pneumonia. The abscess was treated with incision and drainage, and IV antibiotics. Due to the infection, systemic corticosteroids were contraindicated. Instead, topical hydrocortisone was applied, leading to rapid improvement of the skin lesions. This highlights a successful approach for managing SS when systemic therapy is unsuitable.

This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment in rare pediatric cases of Sweet syndrome. The effective use of topical hydrocortisone in place of systemic steroids demonstrates the potential of alternative therapies, especially when infections preclude standard treatments. This case, one of the first in a neonate in the Philippines, contributes valuable insights to the limited literature on managing this rare condition in infancy.