Gianotti-Crosti syndrome
Papular acrodermatitis of childhood; Infantile acrodermatitis; Acrodermatitis - infantile lichenoid; Acrodermatitis - papular infantile; Papulovesicular acro-located syndromeGianotti-Crosti syndrome is a childhood skin condition that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B and other viral infections.
Malaise
Malaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
Health care providers don't know the exact cause of this disorder. They do know that it is linked with other infections.
In Italian children, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is seen frequently with hepatitis B infection. But this link is rarely seen in the United States. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, mononucleosis) is the virus most often associated with acrodermatitis.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleMononucleosis
Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOther associated viruses include:
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Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a disease caused by a type of herpes virus.
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- Parainfluenza virus
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Some types of live virus vaccines
Symptoms
Skin symptoms may include any of the following:
- Rash or patch on the skin, usually on the arms and legs
- Brownish-red or copper-colored patch that is firm and flat on top
- String of bumps may appear in a line
- Generally not itchy
- Rash looks the same on both sides of the body
- Rash may appear on the palms and soles, but not on the back, chest, or belly area (this is one of the ways it is identified, by the absence of the rash on the trunk of the body)
Other symptoms that may appear include:
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Swollen abdomen
Swollen abdomen
A swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.
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Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...
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Exams and Tests
Your provider can diagnose this condition by looking at your skin and rash. Your liver, spleen, and lymph nodes may be swollen.
The following tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions:
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Bilirubin level
Bilirubin
The bilirubin blood test measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. Bi...
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Hepatitis virus serology or hepatitis B surface antigen
Hepatitis virus serology
The hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests used to detect current or past infection by hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. It can sc...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHepatitis B surface antigen
The hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests used to detect current or past infection by hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. It can sc...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Liver enzymes (liver function tests)
Liver function tests
Liver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Screening for EBV antibodies
EBV antibodies
Epstein-Barr virus antibody test is a blood test to detect antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a cause of the infection mononucleosi...
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Skin biopsy
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...
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Treatment
The disorder itself is not treated. Infections linked with this condition, such as hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr, are treated. Cortisone creams and oral antihistamines may help with itching and irritation.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The rash usually disappears on its own in about 3 to 8 weeks without treatment or complication. Associated conditions must be watched carefully.
Possible Complications
Complications occur as a result of associated conditions, rather than as a result of the rash.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if your child has signs of this condition.
References
Bender NR, Chiu YE. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 674.
Zawar V, Chuh AAT. Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 91.
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Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg - illustration
Gianotti-Crosti disease is also called acrodermatitis of childhood. These red, elevated lesions do not contain pus and can occur on the limbs, buttocks, face, and neck.
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg
illustration
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Infectious mononucleosis - illustration
Swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue and headache are some of the symptoms of mononucleosis, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is generally self-limiting and most patients can recover in 4 to 6 weeks without medicines.
Infectious mononucleosis
illustration
-
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg - illustration
Gianotti-Crosti disease is also called acrodermatitis of childhood. These red, elevated lesions do not contain pus and can occur on the limbs, buttocks, face, and neck.
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg
illustration
-
Infectious mononucleosis - illustration
Swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue and headache are some of the symptoms of mononucleosis, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is generally self-limiting and most patients can recover in 4 to 6 weeks without medicines.
Infectious mononucleosis
illustration
Review Date: 5/31/2023
Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.