Gianotti-Crosti syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Gianotti-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.

T Causes
P Health care providers don't know the exact cause of this disorder. They do know that it is linked with other infections.
P In Italian children, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome 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.
P Other associated viruses include:
- Cytomegalovirus
- Coxsackie viruses
- Parainfluenza virus
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Some types of live virus vaccines

T Symptoms
P 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, but not 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)
P Other symptoms that may appear include:
- Swollen abdomen
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tender lymph nodes

T Exams and Tests
P The provider can diagnose this condition by looking at the skin and rash. The liver, spleen, and lymph nodes may be swollen.
P 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

T Treatment
P 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.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P The rash usually disappears on its own in about 3 to 8 weeks without treatment or complication. Associated conditions must be watched carefully.

T Possible Complications
P Complications occur as a result of associated conditions, rather than as a result of the rash.

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your provider if your child has signs of this condition.

T Alternative Names
P Papular acrodermatitis of childhood; Infantile acrodermatitis; Acrodermatitis - infantile lichenoid; Acrodermatitis - papular infantile; Papulovesicular acro-located syndrome

T Images
- Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg
- Infectious mononucleosis

T References
P Dickey BZ, Chiu YE. Diseases of the epidermis. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 657.
P 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.

T Review Date 5/2/2017
P Updated by: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

