Synonym(s)
HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.
Gianotti, 1967; Crosti, 1955
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Reactive, episodic, symmetric, papular, self-limited exanthema in young children that has been described primarily in association with HBV infection but may also be observed in association with numerous other viral diseases (e.g., EBV infection, coxsackie virus infection).
You might also be interested in
Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
Worldwide spread.
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
The pathogenesis is largely unexplained.
Self-limited Id reactions to viral and bacterial (mycotic?) antigens are discussed.
In larger studies, the association with a viral infection has been demonstrated in about 50% of patients (mostly EBV or hepatitis C/ B; less frequently coxsackie viruses, cytomegaloviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, RSV, parainfluenza virus, parvovirus B19, HHV-6, HHV-7, HIV, COVID-19).
Not entirely uncommon is the occurrence of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in the context of infection with Mollusca contagiosa (Bürgler C et al. 2021).
In developed countries, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is most commonly associated with EBV (Leung AKC et al. 2019).
In isolated cases, occurrence has been associated with infections caused by β-hemolytic streptococci, Trichophyton infections, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or vaccinations against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, influenza, or pertussis.
Children with atopic diathesis are frequently affected.
ManifestationThis section has been translated automatically.
Occurs in children between 6 months and 14 years of age. The average age of first manifestation is about 2 years.
LocalizationThis section has been translated automatically.
Preferably face, here especially cheeks, extremities (extensor sides), buttocks (symmetrical).
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
After a short prodromal phase with a slight feeling of illness, subfebrile temperatures, pharyngitis, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and diarrhoea), episodic, disseminated, red or brown, smooth or scaly, 0.1-0.5 cm large, clearly raised papules and vesicles appear, which can also confluence in places to form larger plaques (rather untypical).
The exanthema is typically not itchy.
A Köbner phenomenon (isomorphism) can often be detected (linear arrangement on externally irritated areas, e.g. in scratch marks).
Generalized lymphadenopathy (cervical, axillary, inguinal) and/or hepatomegaly (anicteric hepatitis) are possible.
LaboratoryThis section has been translated automatically.
In 50-80% of cases: lymphocytosis, but also lymphopenia, eosinophilia, elevated ESR.
Less frequently: serum transaminases elevation, positive hepatitis B or EBV serology, elevated IgE; evidence of type I sensitization.
Differential diagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
Infectious exanthema of other genesis, especially infectious mononucleosis. Furthermore: Lichen planus, Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, Pityriasis rosea, Scabies and Abt-Letterer-Siwe disease, Mycides.
General therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
External therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Internal therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
For itching, oral antihistamines such as doxylaminosuccinate (for infants 6 months and older, e.g., Mereprine syrup 1-2 times 1 teaspoon/day).
Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Berger EM et al. (2012) Experience with molluscum contagiosum and associated inflammatory reactions in a
- pediatric dermatology practice: the bump that rashes. Arch Dermatol 148):1257-1264.
- Brandt O et al (2006) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. J Am Acad Dermatol 54: 136-145.
- Bürgler C et al (2021) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome-like reaction in molluscum contagiosum -clinical characteristics and response to therapy. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 19:1746-1752.
- Crosti A, Gianotti F (1967) Infantile papular acrodermatitis and lymphoreticulotropic viroses. Minerva Dermatol 42: 264-278.
- Gianotti F (1955) Rilievi di una particolare casistica tossinfettiva caratterizzata de eruzione eritemato-infiltrativa desquamati va a focolai lenticolari, a sede elettiva acroesposta. G Ital Dermatol 96: 678-697
Leung AKC et al (2019) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (papular acrodermatitis of childhood) in the era of a viral recrudescence and vaccine opposition. World J Pediatr 15: 521-527.
- Magyarlaki I et al (1991) Papular acrodermatitis of childhood (Gianotti-Crosti disease). Pedr Dermatol 8: 224-227.
- Smith KJ, Skelton H (2000) Histopathologic features seen in Gianotti-Crosti syndrome secondary to Epstein-Barr virus. J Am Acad Dermatol 43: 1076-1079.
- Haug S et al (2002) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome following immunization Hautarzt 53: 683-685.
- Ricci G et al (2003) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome and allergic background. Acta Derm Venereol 83: 202-205
- Schopf, R. Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in Epstein-Barr virus infection. Dermatologist 46, 714-716 (1995).
- Stefanato CM et al (2000) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome presenting as lichenoid dermatitis. Am J Dermatopathol 22: 162-165.
- Terasaki K et al (2003) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome associated with endogenous reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus. Dermatology 207: 68-71
- Velangi SS, Tidman MJ (1998) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome after measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. Br J Dermatol 139: 1122-1123
- https://www.bfarm.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Arzneimittel/Pharmakovigilanz/Gremien/Verschreibungspflicht/78Sitzung/anlage4.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
Incoming links (16)
Acrodermatitis, infantile papules; Asymmetric periflexural exanthema of childhood ; COVID-19 and skin; Crosti, agostino; Defensin, beta 4; Eczema coxsackium; Eosinophilia and skin; Glove-sock syndrome; HHV-6; Infantile acrolocalized papulo-vesicular syndrome; ... Show allOutgoing links (29)
Abt-letterer-siwe disease; Antihistamines, systemic; Betulin; Cannabinoids; Cardiospermum halicacabum leaves; Contagious mollusc; COVID-19 and skin; Coxsackie virus infection; Cytomegalovirus; Dulcamarae stipites; ... Show allDisclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.