MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Acrodermatitis

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Acrodermatitis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms	Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Acrodermatitis

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg

Hepatitis B

Alternative names Return to top

Papular acrodermatitis of childhood; Gianotti-Crosti syndrome; Acrodermatitis - infantile lichenoid; Acrodermatitis - papular infantile; Papulovesicular acro-located syndrome

Definition Return to top

Acrodermatitis is a skin condition peculiar to children that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with Hepatitis B and other viral infections.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The mechanism that causes acrodermatitis is poorly understood, but its association with other infections is well documented. The lesions of acrodermatitis appear as small coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules that appear in crops and sometimes 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 Italian children, acrodermatitis is seen frequently in conjunction with Hepatitis B, but this association is rarely seen in the USA. In addition to Hepatitis B, acrodermatitis has also been associated with Epstein-Barr virus infections (EBV, mononucleosis), cytomegalovirus, coxsackie viruses, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and some live virus vaccines.

Symptoms Return to top

Skin lesion or rash
Brownish-red or copper-colored papule that is flat-topped and firm
Rash that may appear as a linear string of >papules
Generally not itchy
Symmetrical distribution (looks the same on both sides of the body)
Rash may appear on the palms and soles

Other symptoms that may appear include:

Enlarged abdomen (because the liver and spleen can become enlarged)
Enlarged lymph nodes
Tender lymph nodes

Signs and tests Return to top

Physical examination confirms the appearance of the rash. The liver and spleen may be enlarged (hepatosplenomegaly). The lymph nodes may be enlarged or tender (lymphadenopathy).

Tests that may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to diagnose associated diseases include:

Skin biopsy
Liver enzymes (liver function tests)
Hepatitis virus serology or Hepatitis B surface antigen
Screening for EBV antibodies
Bilirubin level

Treatment Return to top

Acrodermatitis by itself is not treated. Associated conditions, such as Hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr virus infection, should be managed appropriately.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Acrodermatitis is considered a self-limiting disease that disappears without complication. However, the associated conditions must be watched carefully.

Complications Return to top

Complications occur as a result of associated conditions, rather than as a result of acrodermatitis.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if signs or symptoms (as described here) are present.

Update Date: 10/27/2003

Updated by: Jeffrey Drayer, M.D., Dermatologist, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.