Quick Action Makes a Difference
The dermatologist noted tender, inflamed plaques that didn’t match common conditions like eczema. Because the rash appeared just after starting the new inhaler, a drug reaction became the top suspicion. The dermatologist recommended stopping the inhaler immediately and prescribed a short course of oral steroids to calm the inflammation.
Within 48 hours, the redness began to fade and the burning sensation eased. This rapid improvement strongly suggested an inflammatory drug reaction rather than an infection.
The Diagnosis: Sweet Syndrome
Biopsy results confirmed Sweet syndrome—a rare skin condition that causes painful red lesions, fever, and an overactive immune response. While it can appear on its own, Sweet syndrome is sometimes triggered by medications. Stopping the inhaler and using steroids allowed the patient to recover fully within days.
Key Takeaways for Patients and Caregivers
This case offers several important lessons:
Even inhaled medications can cause body-wide side effects. Don’t assume a drug only affects the area it targets.
New rashes should be taken seriously. If a skin reaction appears soon after starting a new medication, call a healthcare professional right away.
Early diagnosis prevents complications. Quick referral to a specialist helped this patient avoid a more severe outcome.
A Safe Recovery and a Fresh Start
With the inhaler discontinued, her doctors developed a new COPD plan while closely monitoring for side effects. The experience reminded both patient and care team that even small changes in treatment require careful attention.
Bottom Line
Skin is often the first place the body shows distress. Any unexpected rash—especially after a new medication—deserves immediate medical evaluation. In this case, a quick response prevented a minor skin change from becoming a major health crisis.