This case describes “a clinical case of a dermatological disease with systemic repercussions” relevant to primary care, focusing on how symptoms can quickly appear after medication changes.
A 55-year-old woman with high blood pressure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease had been stable on treatment. Due to worsening lung function, her doctor replaced formoterol with a new inhaler combining indacaterol and glycopyrronium.
Just two days later, she developed “painful, erythematous patches on her cheeks and neck” along with a mild fever. She reported no new cosmetics, diet changes, or recent illness, making the new medication a likely trigger.
She was urgently referred to dermatology, where doctors advised stopping the medication and performed tests, including blood work and a skin biopsy. She was treated with oral corticosteroids. Within “24–48 hours, the lesions diminish in intensity and the pain subsides,” and lab results showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia.
After 20 days, the biopsy confirmed Sweet syndrome. This case highlights the importance of recognizing drug-related skin reactions early and responding quickly to prevent complications.
