Papular-purpuric “gloves and socks” syndrome in a mother and daughter

Abstract

The papular-purpuric “gloves and socks” syndrome (PPGSS) is a unique exanthem characterized by petechiae with painful edema of the hands and feet extending proximally with less severity. Constitutional symptoms of fever, lethargy, and arthralgia have also been described. Human parvovirus B19 has been implicated in most cases as the causative agent. We describe a mother and her daughter presenting with the characteristic findings of PPGSS and demonstrating the seroconversion of human parvovirus B19 a few days after the onset of their illness. Additional clinical findings of cutaneous vesicles, bullae, and conjunctivitis are reported in the mother's case. To our knowledge, these are the first 2 cases of PPGSS in a household setting. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:941-4.)