Asia Pac Allergy.  2012 Jul;2(3):223-226. 10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.3.223.

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome: case report of a pruritic acral exanthema in a child

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore. hugo_van_bever@nuhs.edu.sg
  • 2Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore.

Abstract

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS) is a sporadic dermatosis affecting mainly children. It is characterized by multiple, confluent, monomorphic and pruritic pink to red-brown papules or papulovesicles, distributed symmetrically on the face, extensor surfaces of the extremities and buttocks, commonly sparing the trunk, palms and soles. This can be preceded by a viral infection, and may be accompanied by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, or lymphadenopathy. Personal and family history of atopy appears to be a risk factor in the subsequent development of GCS, thus frequently diagnosed as atopic dermatitis. We report a case of a 4-year-old boy from our institution with generalized, pruritic, papulovesicular rashes on the face and extremities for one month. He was diagnosed to have atopic dermatitis and treated as such, before presentation to our institution. As the signs and symptoms in GCS are similar to atopic dermatitis, we suggest that this diagnosis be considered when presented with a similar case.

Keyword

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome; Acrodermatitis; Atopic dermatitis; Allergy; Infantile papular eruption

MeSH Terms

Acrodermatitis*
Buttocks
Child*
Child, Preschool
Dermatitis, Atopic
Diagnosis
Exanthema*
Extremities
Fever
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Lymphatic Diseases
Male
Risk Factors
Skin Diseases

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Partially-resolving erythematous papules on forehead and cheeks. Child appears non-toxic.

  • Fig. 2 Symmetrical distribution of monomorphous papulovesicles on extensor surface of right and left forearms.

  • Fig. 3 Symmetrical distribution of characteristic red-brown, partly flat-topped papules on extensor surface of lower limbs that are partially-resolving.


Cited by  1 articles

In this issue of Asia Pacific Allergy
Sang-Heon Cho
Asia Pac Allergy. 2012;2(3):165-166.    doi: 10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.3.165.


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