Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome: A Benign Dermatosis

Abstract

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS) is a benign acral dermatitis commonly seen in children younger than five years of age with no gender predilection. Clinical features are often vague, including but not limited to fever, lymphadenopathy, and erythematous papular rash that commonly spares the trunk, palms, and soles of the feet. It is presumably underdiagnosed as most children presenting with a widespread papular rash are diagnosed with non-specific viral exanthem. This benign condition has been linked to multiple viruses, and treatment is mainly supportive. We present a previously healthy 18-month-old girl who presented to the emergency room with a progressive skin rash and low-grade fever 10 days after receiving routine immunizations. GCS was diagnosed, and she received supportive care with spontaneous resolution of symptoms in four weeks.

Keywords: acral dermatitis; generalised skin rash; gianotti-crosti syndrome; immunization; maculo-papular rash; mmr vaccine; type iv hypersensitivity reaction.

Figure 1. Anterior knee showing multiple maculopapular lesions measuring about 5-10 mm in diameter and with few scarifications marks.

Figure 2. Bilateral anterior legs showing multiple isolated and coalesced maculopapular lesions measuring about 5-10 mm in diameter.

Figure 3. Right anterior leg showing multiple isolated papular lesions measuring about 5-7 mm in diameter with sparse areas of hyperpigmentation.