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Acrodermatitis
Acrodermatitis
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B


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. The lesions of acrodermatitis appear as small coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules  (bumps) that appear in crops and sometimes in long lines.

The lesions are often symmetric (equal on both sides) and appear on the face, arms, legs, and buttocks. This is one of the few rashes that may also appear on the palms and soles. Generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes and liver may be seen.

In Italian children, acrodermatitis is seen frequently with hepatitis B, but this link is rarely seen in the USA. 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.




Review Date: 7/22/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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