Images: What Does DRESS Look Like DRESS Syndrome DRESS Syndrome: What Is It, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and More Osmosis DRESS Syndrome symptoms vary by person. Reactions often occur in 2 stages: Early Reaction (like fever, rash, & enlarged lymph nodes) & Progressive Reaction (like peeling skin, facial swelling, & affected organs). Large, Spreading Rash After Illness Clinical Advisor DRESS Maimonides Emergency Medicine Residency Erosive cheilitis as an early manifestation in DRESS syndrome