Gianotti-Crosti syndrome
Overview
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is a self-limited childhood exanthem that manifests in a characteristic acral distribution. It is rarely associated with systemic findings. The original cases, described in Italy by Gianotti in 1955, were associated with hepatitis B virus infection, although other viral infections currently account for most cases.
Symptoms
* Red skin eruption * Skin lump * Lenticular eruption * Hemorrhagic eruptions * Mild fever
Causes
The specific viruses causing Gianotti-Crosti syndrome include: * Hepatitis B infection * Epstein Barr virus (the cause of glandular fever) * Enterovirus infections * Echo viruses * Respiratory syncytial virus
Prognosis
The rash fades in 2-8 weeks with mild scaling. If hepatitis B is present, the liver takes between 6 months and 4 years to recover fully. Sometimes there is persistent hepatitis and long term viral carriage. Recurrence of the Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is unlikely but has been reported.