Papular acrodermatitis of childhood; Infantile acrodermatitis; Acrodermatitis - infantile lichenoid; Acrodermatitis - papular infantile; Papulovesicular acro-located 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.
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.
Other associated viruses include:
Bacterial infections such as Group A streptococcus and mycoplasma pneumoniae may also be associated with acrodermatitis.
Skin symptoms may include any of the following:
Other symptoms that may appear include:
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:
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.
The rash usually disappears on its own in about 3 to 8 weeks without treatment or complication. Associated conditions must be watched carefully.
Complications occur as a result of associated conditions, rather than as a result of the rash.
Contact your provider if your child has signs of this condition.
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.
BACK TO TOPReview Date: 4/1/2025
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.
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