Acrodermatitis Symptoms and Treatments

Acrodermatitis Overview

Acrodermatitis is a skin condition that typically affects children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years. The full name of the disease is papular acrodermatitis of childhood. It is also called Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. Although rare, children who live with (or near) each other can have the disease at the same time. The condition causes fever, fatigue, and itchy red and purple blisters to form on the body.

What Causes Acrodermatitis?

The exact cause of acrodermatitis is unknown, although it is linked to a variety of viruses around the world. Epstein-Barr is the most common virus associated with acrodermatitis in America. Others like cytomegalovirus, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial viruses are also thought to contribute to the disease.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Acrodermatitis

Over the course of three to four days red spots will erupt on the child’s skin. These spots can develop anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen on the arms, thighs, and buttocks. The disease usually begins in the legs and moves upward toward the face. As the condition progresses, the red spots on the legs may begin to appear purple. This means small capillaries are leaking blood into the affected areas. These spots will develop into itchy blisters filled with fluid.

There may have swelling and tenderness in the abdomen and lymph nodes. These symptoms can last anywhere between two and three months.