Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome?
A dermatologist (a skin doctor) or a pediatrician (a doctor for children) usually looks at this rash first. Doctors often diagnose it by looking at the skin. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Gianotti-Crosti syndrome?
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is a rare skin condition that mostly affects young children. It is also called papular acrodermatitis of childhood. Children usually get it between nine months and nine years of age. Boys and girls are affected in equal numbers.
The rash usually shows up after a viral infection. Doctors think the rash is a reaction to that earlier infection. The exact reason is still not known.
Symptoms
The main sign is a rash of firm bumps or patches. The patches are often brownish-red or copper-colored, and they are flat on top. Some bumps form a line. The rash looks the same on both sides of the body. Some children also get blisters filled with fluid.
The rash usually shows on the arms and legs. It can also appear on the face and buttocks. It may also appear on the palms and soles. The back, chest, and belly are usually spared.
The rash is generally not itchy. Some children do have itching, which can be mild or severe.
Some children also have a swollen belly and swollen, tender lymph nodes (the glands that help fight infection).
The rash usually goes away on its own in about 3 to 8 weeks. Swollen glands and an enlarged liver can last for several months.
Causes and who gets it
Health care providers do not know the exact cause. The rash is linked to other infections. In Italian children, it is often linked to hepatitis B, a virus that causes liver inflammation. In the United States, that link is rarely seen.
Other viruses linked to it include Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis (mono), along with cytomegalovirus, coxsackie viruses, parainfluenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Some live virus vaccines may also be linked to it. Some bacterial infections, such as group A strep, may be linked too.
It is most often seen in children between nine months and nine years old.
How doctors diagnose it
A provider can usually diagnose this condition by looking at the skin and rash. The liver, spleen, and lymph nodes may be swollen, so the provider may check them too.
Tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other conditions. These can include:
- Liver function tests, which check the liver.
- Hepatitis virus tests, including the hepatitis B surface antigen test.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody screening.
- Skin biopsy, a test on a sample of skin.
Treatment
The condition itself is not treated. The rash usually goes away on its own without treatment or complications. Any linked infection, such as hepatitis B or Epstein-Barr, is treated.
For itching or irritation, hydrocortisone creams and oral antihistamines (antihistamines taken by mouth) may help. Treatment is mostly supportive, which means it focuses on easing symptoms. Ask your provider which option is right for your child.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if your child has signs of this condition. Yellow skin, called jaundice, is one sign of hepatitis B. Contact your provider if you notice it.
Conditions linked to it, such as hepatitis B, must be watched carefully.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your child has trouble or abnormal breathing, is hard to wake or not alert, or has a fever with a change in mental status or a stiff neck or back.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can help with the first evaluation and follow the rash as it fades.
Common questions
Does Gianotti-Crosti syndrome go away on its own?
Yes. The rash usually disappears on its own in about 3 to 8 weeks, without treatment or complications. Swollen glands and an enlarged liver may take longer to settle.
Is Gianotti-Crosti syndrome always linked to hepatitis B?
No. Hepatitis B is often linked to it in Italian children. That link is rarely seen in the United States. In North America, other viruses are more often involved.
Is the rash itchy?
Usually not. The rash is generally not itchy, but some children have itching that can be mild or severe.
Is one sex more likely to get it?
No. Boys and girls are affected in equal numbers.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Gianotti-Crosti syndrome
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - Gianotti Crosti Syndrome
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
