Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Acrodermatitis

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

 

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

 

Health care providers do not know the exact cause of acrodermatitis. But, they do know that it is linked with other infections.

In Italian children, acrodermatitis is seen frequently with hepatitis B . But this link is rarely seen in the United States. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, mononucleosis) is the virus most often associated with acrodermatitis.

Other associated viruses include:

  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Coxsackie viruses
  • Parainfluenza virus
  • Respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV )
  • Some types of live virus vaccines

 

Symptoms

 

Skin symptoms may include any of the following:

  • 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 (this is one of the ways it is identified, by the absence of the rash from the trunk of the body).

Other symptoms that may appear include:

  • Swollen abdomen
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Tender lymph nodes

 

Exams and Tests

 

The provider can diagnose this condition by 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:

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

 

Treatment

 

Acrodermatitis by 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)

 

Acrodermatitis usually disappears on its own 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 acrodermatitis.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

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

 

 

Open References

References

Cherry JD. Cutaneous manifestations of systemic infections. In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ, eds. Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 58.

Gelmetti C. Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 88.

 
  • Acrodermatitis

    Acrodermatitis - illustration

    Acrodermatitis enteropathica 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 infection or other viral infections. The lesions appear as small coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules that appear in crops and sometime in long linear strings, often symmetric.

    Acrodermatitis

    illustration

  • Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg

    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

  • Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B - illustration

    The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for healthcare workers, people who live with someone with hepatitis B, and others at higher risk. The hepatitis B virus can damage liver cells. Immunization is also recommended for all infants and unvaccinated adolescents.

    Hepatitis B

    illustration

    • Acrodermatitis

      Acrodermatitis - illustration

      Acrodermatitis enteropathica 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 infection or other viral infections. The lesions appear as small coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules that appear in crops and sometime in long linear strings, often symmetric.

      Acrodermatitis

      illustration

    • Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg

      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

    • Hepatitis B

      Hepatitis B - illustration

      The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for healthcare workers, people who live with someone with hepatitis B, and others at higher risk. The hepatitis B virus can damage liver cells. Immunization is also recommended for all infants and unvaccinated adolescents.

      Hepatitis B

      illustration

     

    Review Date: 4/14/2015

    Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

     
     
     

     

     

    A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



    Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.