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 Definition
A very common skin condition occurring in childhood is ‘Acrodermatitis’ which, when occurs, often shows symptoms of malaise and fever albeit in a mild form. Acrodermatitis can also be brought on by some viral infections and also hepatitis B.
Alternative Names
This condition is known by other names as well such as: Gianotti-Crosti syndrome; papulovesicular acro-located syndrome; Acrodermatitis-papular infantile; Acrodermatitis – infantile lichenoid; and Papular acrodermatitis of childhood.
Causes
Though the reasons why acrodermatitis occurs is not well-known, linking the disorder with other infections is quite meticulously documented by scientists and medical practitioners alike.
It has been noted that Italian children break out with acrodermatitis quite frequently when they contract hepatitis B, however, this link between hepatitis B and acrodermatitis is rarely noted in children of the Unites States. Apart from being linked to hepatitis B, acrodermatitis is also linked to other infections such as coxsackie virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Epstein-Barr virus infections (EBV, mononucleosis) Cystmegalovirus, paraenfluenza virus, and some live virus vaccines as well.
Symptoms
· A patch or a rash on the skin
· A firm patch on the skin that is copper colored or brownish-red and flat on the top.
· Sometimes the conditions displays symptoms in the form of a line of bumps.
· Usually not an itchy condition.
· Similar rash on both sides of the body.
· The rash will not appear on the belly, chest, or back but usually on the soles and palms.
Some other symptoms that may occur:
· Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes.
· Swollen abdomen.
· Tender lymph nodes.
Exams And Tests
Physicians will normally diagnose acrodermatitis by simply inspecting the rash on the skin. However, to confirm the condition they enlargement and tenderness of the spleen, lymph nodes, and the liver may be determined too.
In order to rule out other conditions and completely confirm acrodermatitis the following tests must be done:
· A biopsy of the skin.
· Test to determine presence of EBV antibodies.
· LFT (liver function test) to check for liver enzymes.
· Testing for hepatitis B surface antigen through hepatitis virus serelogy.
· Checking for proper bilirubin levels.
Treatment
Though doctors cannot treat acrodermatitis by itself, the infections associated with the condition namely Epstein-Barr and hepatitis B should be treated accordingly and completely.
Prognosis (future prospects)
Though the condition, acrodermatitis, itself normally and usually does completely disappear without any complications the conditions that are normally associated with the skin condition should be monitored very carefully.
Possible Complications
Though acrodermatitis itself does not present any complications the associated health conditions that accompany acrodermatitis can cause some disturbing effects.
When is it necessary to contact a doctor?
When a child shows signs of this skin disorder as described above one should immediately contact a medical practitioner. |
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