Overview Of 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.
Causes Of Gianotti Crosti Syndrome
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, this 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.
Other associated viruses include:
- Cytomegalovirus
- Coxsackie viruses
- Parainfluenza virus
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Some types of live virus vaccines
Symptoms
Skin symptoms of Gianotti Crosti syndrome 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
- A string of bumps may appear in a line
- Generally not itchy
- The rash looks the same on both sides of the body
- The 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)
Other symptoms that may appear include:
- Swollen abdomen
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tender lymph nodes
Exams & Tests
The provider can diagnose Gianotti Crosti syndrome 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 Of Gianotti Crosti Syndrome
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.
