Acrodermatitis

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, commonly referred to as acrodermatitis, is a common skin condition in children. Acrodermatitis is characterized by itchy blisters that are red or purple in color, sore and swollen lymph nodes, and a bloated abdomen. Fatigue and fever are also common symptoms, though they do not affect every child. Any type of strange rash-like condition that breaks out on a child’s skin can cause parents to gravely worry that something very serious is going on. Luckily, this viral associated skin condition is not life threatening, and it usually resolves itself on its own without the need for treatment and without causing complications.

As a childhood condition, acrodermatitis generally affects children between the ages of 3 months and 15 years. The actual skin rash is not contagious, but the virus that causes the condition is contagious. This is why children who are in a childcare or school setting, as well as siblings, often develop this skin condition at the same time.

It is the symptoms of acrodermatitis that often cause parents to panic. The appearance of red spots on a child’s skin develop relatively quickly. In most cases, the spots will first develop on the thighs, buttocks, and arms and then gradually move upward toward the face. Over the course of three to four days, the spots may begin to change color to purple and develop into itchy blisters. Most parents bring their children in to be seen in an understandable panic over the quick progression of this skin condition.

Acrodermatitis is generally easy to diagnose simply by looking at the skin, but often a blood or urine test will be done to assess the levels of certain enzymes and rule out other concerns. Parents, and children, are often disheartened to learn that the symptoms of acrodermatitis can last anywhere between two and three months. However, this skin condition does usually subside on its own. Hydrocortisone creams can be provided to alleviate itching of the skin, along with oatmeal baths a few nights a week.

At Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta, Dr. Jamie Weisman understands that skin conditions such as acrodermatitis can be very alarming to parents and children alike. Contact our practice right away if your child shows any symptoms of acrodermatitis so that any complications can be ruled out, and relief from bothersome itching can be provided. Dr. Weisman is an advocate for your health, and she provides personalized skin care for every patient.