Acrodermatitis

Alternative names:

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome; papular acrodermatitis

Definition:

A skin condition peculiar to children that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise; however, it may also be associated with hepatitis B infection, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and other viral infections.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The mechanism that causes acrodermatitis is poorly understood, but its association with other infections is well documented. The lesions of acrodermatitis appear as coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules that appear in crops and sometime in long linear strings. The lesions are often symmetric (equal on both sides) and appear on the face, arms and legs, and buttocks. This is one of the few rashes that may also appear on the palms and soles. Generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes and liver may be seen.

In children, acrodermatitis is seen frequently in conjunction with hepatitis B and that diagnosis must also be considered when acrodermatitis is diagnosed. When acrodermatitis is associated with hepatitis B, it is called Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.