Gianotti-Crosti syndrome mimicking scabies

Infection. 2024 Apr 26. doi: 10.1007/s15010-024-02263-4. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This case report highlights a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented to our clinic with suspicion of refractory scabies. She had undergone multiple treatments without improvement. However, the clinical condition was not scabies but rather Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome (GCS), leading to rapid clinical improvement and avoiding the need for further unnecessary tests and treatments. GCS is a postviral exanthem characterized by symmetrical, red papules on the extremities and buttocks, typically occurring in children but can also affect adults. It is crucial for every physician to distinguish it from other causes of rash, including scabies, to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Keywords: Gianotti-Crosti syndrome; Papulo-vesicular rash; Pruritus; Scabies.