About crosti-gianotti syndrome

What is crosti-gianotti syndrome?

Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome is a rare skin disease affecting children between the ages of nine months and nine years. Major symptoms may include blisters on the skin of the legs, buttocks and arms. The disorder is usually preceded by a viral infection.

What are the symptoms for crosti-gianotti syndrome?

Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome is characterized by Blisters on the skin that may or may not itch. They are usually found on the face, buttocks, arms or legs. The Blisters consist of large, flat-topped, fluid filled sacks. They usually occur along with upper respiratory tract infection. The Blisters usually last from twenty to twenty-five days; they do not usually recur. There may be an enlargement of the lymph nodes in the trunk area of the body. Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome usually occurs after a bout with a viral disease such as: Coxsackievirus, Hepatitis-B, Infectious Mononucleosis or Cytomegalovirus, or after vaccination with a live virus serum.

What are the causes for crosti-gianotti syndrome?

The cause of Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome is thought to be a reaction to a previous viral infection. In many countries the predisposing cause is usually the Hepatitis-B virus. In North America other viruses are more often the predisposing cause. The exact reasons for this cause and effect situation are unknown.

What are the treatments for crosti-gianotti syndrome?

Because Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome is a self-limiting disorder, the treatment of affected children is primarily symptomatic and supportive. For example, in some cases, the use of topical ointments or certain medications by mouth may be recommended to help alleviate mild to potentially severe itching (pruritus). The skin lesions associated with Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome typically spontaneously resolve within approximately 15 to 60 days. When associated findings include enlargement of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) and/or enlargement of the liver (i.e., in association with liver inflammation [hepatitis]), such findings may persist for several months after initial symptom onset.

What are the risk factors for crosti-gianotti syndrome?

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS), papular acrodermatitis of childhood or acrodermatitis is a rare, childhood skin condition that affects children between the ages of 3 months and 15 years.

  • Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is characterized by a papular rash with blisters on the skin of the legs, buttocks, and arms.
  • Skin lesions typically last at least 10 days but may last for several weeks. GCS is a response to the underlying infection.
  • It has been observed to occur following many viral illnesses and vaccinations.
  • If the underlying infection is due to a virus, that in itself is contagious, while papular acrodermatitis is not.


The following can determine your susceptibility to Gianotti-Crosti syndrome(GCS)
Ongoing studies have demonstrated that papular acrodermatitis in childhood can occur following a wide variety of viruses. These viruses include

  • Epstein-Barr virus,
  • Cytomegalovirus,
  • Coxsackievirus,
  • Adenovirus,
  • Influenza,
  • Enteroviruses,
  • Echovirus,
  • Hepatitis A virus,
  • Herpes simplex viruses,
  • HHV-6,
  • HIV,
  • Mumps,
  • Parainfluenza virus,
  • Parvovirus B19,
  • Poxviruses,
  • Respiratory syncytial virus, and
  • Rotavirus.

Occurrence of CGS has also been reported after vaccination with vaccines for - influenza, Calmette-Guerin bacillus, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and measles vaccines.

Symptoms
Acute eruption of monomorphic skin-coloured to pink-red papules on the face, buttocks, and extensor surfaces of the extremities,Enlarged lymph glands,Bloated stomach
Conditions
Formation of benign,Itchy blisters on the body,Children may also develop a bloated abdomen,Fever,Swollen, sore lymph nodes,Hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection,Acute hepatitis may also occur
Drugs
1-3 mg/kg of zinc gluconate or sulfate,The majority of cases spontaneously resolve on their own without active intervention,Management of itching by the use of hydrocortisone creams,Antihistamines like Avil can be given

Is there a cure/medications for crosti-gianotti syndrome?

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS), papular acrodermatitis of childhood or acrodermatitis, is a benign papular rash that occurs in childhood and is associated with multiple viral illnesses and vaccinations.

  • Treatment of acrodermatitis requires lifelong zinc supplementation. 1-3 mg/kg of zinc gluconate or sulfate should be given daily. Improvement usually occurs within days to weeks of initiating Zinc supplementation.
  • Since infectious agents do not directly cause skin lesions, mild topical steroids or hydrocortisone creams are used to achieve relief of itching with emollients and prescribing oral antihistamines.
  • Any underlying disorder, such as hepatitis B should be managed carefully.
  • Since Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome is a self-limiting disorder, the treatment of affected children is primarily symptomatic and supportive.
  • In case of severe itching, topical ointments or certain medications may be recommended orally.
  • The skin lesions resolve within approximately 15 to 60 days.


Symptoms
Acute eruption of monomorphic skin-coloured to pink-red papules on the face, buttocks, and extensor surfaces of the extremities,Enlarged lymph glands,Bloated stomach
Conditions
Formation of benign,Itchy blisters on the body,Children may also develop a bloated abdomen,Fever,Swollen, sore lymph nodes,Hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection,Acute hepatitis may also occur
Drugs
1-3 mg/kg of zinc gluconate or sulfate,The majority of cases spontaneously resolve on their own without active intervention,Management of itching by the use of hydrocortisone creams,Antihistamines like Avil can be given

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