Gianotti-Crosti syndrome
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.
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 ...
Causes
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.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.
Other associated viruses include:
- Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a disease caused by a type of herpes virus.
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- Parainfluenza virus
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza refers to a group of viruses that lead to upper and lower respiratory infections.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - 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...
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Bacterial infections such as Group A streptococcus and mycoplasma pneumoniae may also be associated with acrodermatitis.
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:
- Swollen abdomen
Swollen abdomen
A swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.
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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:
- Blood bilirubin level
Blood 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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- Liver enzymes (liver function tests)
- Screening for EBV antibodies
- Skin biopsy
Treatment
The disorder itself is not treated. Infections linked with this condition, such as hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr, are treated. Hydrocortisone 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
Contact your provider if your child has signs of this condition.
Reviewed By
Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dhossche JM, Chiu YE. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 696.
Mancini AJ, Shani-Adir J, Sidbury R. Other viral diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 81.
