MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Acrodermatitis

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Acrodermatitis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms Exams and Tests	Treatment Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional References

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 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.

Causes Return to top

The cause of acrodermatitis is poorly understood, but its link with other infections is well- documented.

In Italian children, acrodermatitis is seen frequently with hepatitis B, but this link is rarely seen in the United States. 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

Rash or patch on skin
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 -- it does not occur on the back, chest, or belly area

Other symptoms that may appear include:

Exams and Tests Return to top

Your doctor can diagnosed this condition by simply looking at the skin and rash. The liver, spleen, and lymph nodes may be swollen.

The following tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions:

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

Treatment Return to top

Acrodermatitis by itself is not treated. Infections associated with this condition, such as hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr, should be treated appropriately.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

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

Possible Complications Return to top

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Call your health care provider if your child has signs of this condition.

References Return to top

Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

Long SS, Pickering LK, Prober CG. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2003.

Update Date: 4/12/2007

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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