What is acropustulosis of infancy?

Acropustulosis of infancy presents with small, itchy blisters and pustules on the palms and soles of infants in the first 2–3 years of life.

Acropustulosis of infancy

Acropustulosis of infancy

Acropustulosis of infancy

What are the symptoms of acropustulosis of infancy?

Typically, an infant develops small flat red areas on the palms and soles which become raised, develop into tiny blisters, then pustules, which heal with small temporary pigmented areas. The lesions are itchy. They occur in crops which become less frequent with time and eventually cease.

The condition resolves in a few months up to 3 years of age.

What is the cause of acropustulosis of infancy?

In some cases acropustulosis of infancy is preceded by scabies and may represent an allergic reaction to the scabies mite. In other cases, there is no history of scabies.

Investigations

Laboratory tests are not needed for diagnosis but may be done to rule out an infectious cause.

Management

Treatment is often not needed. The following are sometimes prescribed.

• Topical steroids
• Oral antihistamines
• Dapsone, for difficult cases.