Health Encyclopedia

Acrodermatitis

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

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:

Signs and tests

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

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

Expectations (prognosis)

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

Complications

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

Calling your health care provider

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

References

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.

Review Date:4/12/2007
Reviewed By:Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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