Papular-purpuric-gloves-and-socks syndrome

Last Updated: 2022-03-25

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: EA11

Harms et al. 1990.

Glove Sock Syndrome.

Viral exanthema with skin involvement of hands, feet and mucous membranes.

  • Mostly occurring in young adulthood
  • Seasonal peak incidence in spring and summer
  • Incubation period: 6-14 days

The syndrome is associated with parvovirus B19, coxsackie, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, measles, HIV, rubella and hepatitis B virus.

.

  • In addition to moderately high fever, there is lymphadenopathy, arthralgia, myalgia and loss of appetite
  • Multiple, pruritic, livid red papules arranged glove-like on the hands and sock-like on the feet. After 24-48 hours, there is gradual confluence of the papules and formation of oedema and oedematous erythema. Petechiae and petechial purpura may also be common. Enorally, vesicles, aphthae and erosions are visible.
  • Contagiousness exists before and during the onset of exanthema

  • Clinical
  • The blood count is non-specific
  • Direct pathogen detection by PCR or antigen test

  • Self-limiting course
  • Healing without complications after 1-2 weeks

  1. Fretzayas, A., et al., Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome in children and adolescents. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2009. 28(3): p. 250-2.
  2. Feldmann, R., M. Harms, and J.H. Saurat, Papular-purpuric 'gloves and socks' syndrome: not only parvovirus B19. Dermatology, 1994. 188(2): p. 85-7.
  3. Vargas-Diez, E., et al., Papular-purpuric gloves-and-socks syndrome. Int J Dermatol, 1996. 35(9): p. 626-32.
  4. Smith, P.T., et al., Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome associated with acute parvovirus B19 infection: case report and review. Clin Infect Dis, 1998. 27(1): p. 164-8.
  5. Bilenchi, R., et al., Papular-purpuric "gloves and socks" syndrome. G Ital Dermatol Venereol, 2012. 147(1): p. 119-21.
  6. Fruhauf, J., C. Massone, and R.R. Mullegger, Bullous papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome in a 42-year-old female: molecular detection of parvovirus B19 DNA in lesional skin. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2009. 60(4): p. 691-5.
  7. Gajinov, Z., et al., [Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome--a case report]. Med Pregl, 2006. 59(7-8): p. 380-3.
  8. Sklavounou-Andrikopoulou, A., et al., Oral manifestations of papular-purpuric 'gloves and socks' syndrome due to parvovirus B19 infection: the first case presented in Greece and review of the literature. Oral Dis, 2004. 10(2): p. 118-22.