Papular-Purpuric Gloves and Socks Syndrome: A Characteristic Viral Exanthem

In 1990, Harms et al1 reported a unique dermatosis occurring in the spring in five Swiss young adults. These individuals had acral edema and a characteristic fine papular eruption containing petechiae confined primarily to the hands and feet, with sharp demarcation at the ankles and wrists. In several of the patients fever, lymphadenopathy, leukopenia, and oral lesions ranging from erythema to erosions were associated with the eruption. Although each of the patients had been recently taking a variety of medications, the authors thought that a drug etiology was unlikely. This characteristic eruption associated with fever and lymphopenia suggested the possibility of an unusual viral exanthem.