Also known as Papular Acrodermatitis of Childhood
DISCLAIMER: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.
What is Gianotti Crosti Syndrome?
This is a rash that a child may have after a viral infection
It is a raised rash that can last for weeks.
It is most commonly seen in kids from 6 months of age to 12 years old.
The most common medical term for it is papular acrodermatitis.
What causes Gianotti Crosti Syndrome?
A virus is usually the cause of the rash, but it may happen after a bacterial infection or vaccines (least common).
Some examples of viruses, bacteria and immunizations that may cause it:
Bacteria - Strep, Mycoplasma Pneomoniae (causes walking pneumonia)
Viruses: EBV (Epstein Barr Virus, also known as Mono), Enteroviruses (an example is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease), Covid, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Parainfluenza (a cause of croup)
Vaccines: (Polio, Measles, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Covid)
What are the symptoms of Gianotti Crosti Syndrome?
The rash starts as red dull spots on the buttocks and thighs.
It usually spreads over 3 to 4 days to the arms and then the face.
It usually affects both sides of the body.
The rash may later look purple (especially the legs) or like fluid filled bumps (vesicles).
It is not usually painful, but your child may itch.
The rash will start to look a bit scaly as it fades over 2 to 8 weeks.
Your child may have a low grade temperature or feel warm.
You may notice what looks like bumps in your child’s groin area or armpits.
These are called lymph nodes and they are part of your child’s immune system.
They may last for months after the rash has disappeared.
How is Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome diagnosed?
Your child’s primary healthcare provider will do a physical exam on your child.
Your child’s primary healthcare provider will talk to you about your child’s symptoms.
Usually talking about symptoms and examining your child helps with the diagnosis.
Blood work or imaging like xrays are rarely needed.
How can I prevent Gianotti Crosti Syndrome?
There is no specific way to prevent this rash.
Help your child stay healthy with these tips:
Encourage a variety or fruits and vegetables.
Encourage lots of water drinking.
Encourage lots of hand washing.
Encourage exercise and good sleep habits.
Avoid those who are actively sick.
Keep your child’s skin moisturized.
How is this treated?
There is no specific treatment.
Keep your child’s skin moisturized.
Encourage your child to drink lots of water.
If your child is itchy, your child’s primary care provider may prescribe a topical steroid.
Your child’s healthcare provider may recommend other over-the-counter options for itch relief.
When to call your healthcare team:
You think your child needs to be seen.
Your child is getting worse.
Your child is refusing to drink fluids.
Your child is having any trouble breathing.
You have other questions or concerns.
📚 References
This content was adapted from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/papular-acrodermatitis-of-childhood,https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/911275-overview#a7, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gianotti-crosti-syndrome-papular-acrodermatitis. Images from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/papular-acrodermatitis-of-childhood.
Reviewed by TT DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.