Acrodermatitis is a skin condition, experienced mainly by children, causing fever and discomfort. It is most often present on the limbs, involving a bumpy skin rash. It usually appears in connection with other diseases, such as Hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr virus infections, Cytomegalovirus, Coxsackie viruses, Para-influenza viruses, Respiratory syncytial viruses, and some other live virus vaccines.
Causes of Acrodermatitis
The cause of acrodermatitis is poorly understood, but its link with other infections is well- documented.In Italian children, acrodermatitis is seen frequently with hepatitis B, but this link is rarely seen in the United States. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, mononucleosis) is the virus most often associated with acrodermatitis. Other associated viruses inclcude, cytomegalovirus, coxsackie viruses, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and some live virus vaccines.
A rare, genetic form of acrodermatitis is acrodermatitis enteropathica. In this disorder, zinc is poorly absorbed from the diet. Adding zinc supplements to the diet improves the condition. This form of the disorder can be associated with other abnormalities and development delays.
Acrodermatitis Symptoms
- Rash or patch on skin
- Brownish-red or copper-colored patch that is firm and flat on top
- String of bumps may appear in a line
- Generally not itchy
- Rash looks the same on both sides of the body
- Rash may appear on the palms and soles — it does not occur on the back, chest, or belly area (this is one of the ways it is identified — by the absence of the rash from the trunk of the body)
Other symptoms that may appear include:
- Swollen abdomen
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tender lymph nodes
How Acrodermatitis is treated?
Medical Treatment
Infections associated with acrodermatitis should be treated, although acrodermatitis by itself is generally not treated.
Natural Treatment
Many people have tried and been pleased with the results of using natural supplements, vitamins, and some healthy foods to combat the affects of acrodermatitis on the skin.
Supplements – Popular supplements used for the treatment of this disorder include both zinc and copper.
Vitamins – Vitamins A, C, and E have been used by some to improve skin health and make skin more durable. Vitamins E and C are both considered antioxidants that promote faster wound healing of the skin.
Foods – Foods thought to be good for the skin include oysters, liver, pumpkin, pecans, brazil nuts, and beef.
Complications
Complications do not occur with acrodermatitis but rather as a result of associated infections.
Infections associated with acrodermatitis should be treated, although acrodermatitis by itself is generally not treated.
Natural Treatment
Many people have tried and been pleased with the results of using natural supplements, vitamins, and some healthy foods to combat the affects of acrodermatitis on the skin.
Supplements – Popular supplements used for the treatment of this disorder include both zinc and copper.
Vitamins – Vitamins A, C, and E have been used by some to improve skin health and make skin more durable. Vitamins E and C are both considered antioxidants that promote faster wound healing of the skin.
Foods – Foods thought to be good for the skin include oysters, liver, pumpkin, pecans, brazil nuts, and beef.
Complications
Complications do not occur with acrodermatitis but rather as a result of associated infections.