Understanding the Facts about Acrodermatitis

Understanding the Facts about Acrodermatitis

When it comes to a dermatologist, Palo Alto parents might consider making an appointment for their child if they experience certain symptoms. Acrodermatitis is a medical condition that affects children. It is a skin condition that may also present with malaise and fever. This condition may be associated with certain viral infections such as hepatitis B. In some cases, it has been linked to certain live virus vaccines.

Cause

What causes this condition is not known, but there is a strong link between certain viral infections and acrodermatitis. It is most commonly linked to hepatitis B, but this link is not common in the United States. Other viruses that may be linked to this condition include mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus, respiratory syncytial virus, cytomegalovirus, parainfluenza virus and coxsackie viruses.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of acrodermatitis are most noticeable on the skin. They include a patch or rash on the skin. They will not appear on the stomach, chest or back area; they occur on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. These tend to be copper-colored or a brownish-red color. They are flat and firm. A line of bumps may appear on the patch or rash. They do not tend to itch and will usually be symmetrical. Those with this condition may also experience swollen or tender lymph nodes or a swollen abdomen.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing this condition often involves certain exams that work to rule out other conditions. To diagnose this condition most doctors will often simply exam any rashes or patches. The doctor may perform certain tests after examining the rashes to look for an underlying virus. These tests might include a skin biopsy, bilirubin level, EBV antibody screen, hepatitis B surface antigen test, hepatitis virus serology test or a liver function test.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for this condition. The underlying condition that is causing this condition generally needs to be treated in order to alleviate acrodermatitis. Some viruses that cause this condition are not treatable so managing them can help to alleviate this condition. In most cases this condition will not cause any complications and it tends to go away on its own. The underlying conditions must be watched carefully though, because they may lead to further complications. The treatment will ultimately depend on the underlying condition. Some of these conditions may be treated or managed with antiviral medications. Others might be treated or managed with different medications and medical treatments.

With this information, you should have a better understanding of the condition. If you suspect it, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a dermatologist in Palo Alto.

Disclaimer: We are unable to guarantee any result, even though most of our patients do see success. The results of our services will vary greatly to each patient’s level of commitment and compliance with the program.

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