Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome Overview
Learn About Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is a childhood skin condition that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B and other viral infections.
Papular acrodermatitis of childhood; Infantile acrodermatitis; Acrodermatitis - infantile lichenoid; Acrodermatitis - papular infantile; Papulovesicular acro-located syndrome
Health care providers don't know the exact cause of this disorder. They do know that it is linked with other infections.
In Italian children, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is seen frequently with hepatitis B infection. But this link is rarely seen in the United States. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, mononucleosis) is the virus most often associated with acrodermatitis.
Other associated viruses include:
- Cytomegalovirus
- Coxsackie viruses
- Parainfluenza virus
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Some types of live virus vaccines
Bacterial infections such as Group A streptococcus and mycoplasma pneumoniae may also be associated with acrodermatitis.
Skin symptoms may include any of the following:
- Rash or patch on the skin, usually on the arms and legs
- Brownish-red or copper-colored patch that is firm and flat on top
- String of bumps may appear in a line
- Generally not itchy
- Rash looks the same on both sides of the body
- Rash may appear on the palms and soles, but not on the back, chest, or belly area (this is one of the ways it is identified, by the absence of the rash on the trunk of the body)
Other symptoms that may appear include:
- Swollen abdomen
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tender lymph nodes
The disorder itself is not treated. Infections linked with this condition, such as hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr, are treated. Hydrocortisone creams and oral antihistamines may help with itching and irritation.
Antonio Chuh practices in Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Chuh is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome. Their top areas of expertise are Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome, Pityriasis Rosea, Spider Angioma, and Cherry Angioma.
Lacey Kruse is a Dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Kruse is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Multiple Nevi Flammei, Stork Bite, Linear Hamartoma Syndrome, and Vascular Birthmark.
University Of Virginia Physicians Group
Barrett Zlotoff is a Dermatologist in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Zlotoff is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Seborrheic Keratosis, Atopic Dermatitis, Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris, and Familial Multiple Nevi Flammei. Dr. Zlotoff is currently accepting new patients.
The rash usually disappears on its own in about 3 to 8 weeks without treatment or complication. Associated conditions must be watched carefully.
Complications occur as a result of associated conditions, rather than as a result of the rash.
Contact your provider if your child has signs of this condition.
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dhossche JM, Chiu YE. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 696.
Mancini AJ, Shani-Adir J, Sidbury R. Other viral diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 81.