It is now believed to affect all races equally. Larger series have since shown an equal distribution between males and females. While children as old as 9 years of age have been reported, acropustulosis typically begins between the first 2-12 months of life. Resolution by 3 years of age is the norm. Classically, an infant 2-12 months of age begins with pruritic erythematous macules or papules that progress into vesicles and then pustules.
Children are fretful, irritable, and obviously uncomfortable, but otherwise well.
Often children have been empirically treated with antiscabies medicines prior to presentation. The intensity and duration of attacks diminish with each recurrence. Lesions may occur on the dorsal hands and feet as well as the trunk, scalp and face. They heal with macular hyperpigmentation. No other organ systems are involved.