Gianotti-Crosti syndrome: case report of a pruritic acral exanthema in a child

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS) is a sporadic dermatosis affecting mainly children. It is characterized by multiple, confluent, monomorphic and pruritic pink to red-brown papules or papulovesicles, distributed symmetrically on the face, extensor surfaces of the extremities and buttocks, commonly sparing the trunk, palms and soles. This can be preceded by a viral infection, and may be accompanied by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, or lymphadenopathy. Personal and family history of atopy appears to be a risk factor in the subsequent development of GCS, thus frequently diagnosed as atopic dermatitis. We report a case of a 4-year-old boy from our institution with generalized, pruritic, papulovesicular rashes on the face and extremities for one month. He was diagnosed to have atopic dermatitis and treated as such, before presentation to our institution. As the signs and symptoms in GCS are similar to atopic dermatitis, we suggest that this diagnosis be considered when presented with a similar case.