Grover's Disease - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Grover's disease is a skin condition affecting the chest and back. It is also known as transient acantholytic dermatosis , and occasionally, as persistent acantholytic dermatosis . In the case of women and younger people the occurrence is less frequent. It occurs quite suddenly and results in itchy spots on the central back and mid chest. Frequently it tends to follow sweating or unexpected heat stress. It results in pink or red bumps which might be crusted, blistered or eroded. It may also result in slight bleeding.

Mostly Grover's disease lasts from six to twelve months but sometimes it may persist for longer. It is generally found in males who have crossed the age of forty. This disease can get complicated by the development of dermatitis. It results in larger itchy patches with a dry surface and the rashes might spread to other areas of the body. Although a dermatologist can make the diagnosis from the appearance of the rash but a skin biopsy is necessary to confirm it. Under the microscope it has a characteristic appearance. A number of patients suffering from Gover's disease have blood abnormalities and some tests such as CBC, ESR, and SPEP are recommended.

Causes of Grover's Disease

Find common causes and risk factors of Grover's Disease :

• The cause of Grover's disease is unknown.
• Sometimes the rash is associated with sun exposure, heat and sweating.
• Bed rest may trigger the disease.
• Usually occurs in white men over 40 years of age.
• Probably the main cause is blocking of sweat ducts.

Signs and Symptoms of Grover's Disease

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• There may present small blisters containing a watery liquid.
• There may be small, firm, raised red lesions on the skin in this disease.
• Slight bleeding may occur sometime. Generally bleeding occurs when there is a lot of scratching.

Treatment for Grover's Disease

Treatment may include :

• Moisturising creams are also helpful.
• Apply a mild topical steroid such as hydrocortisone in a cool lotion. It can be applied frequently to the affected areas to relieve itching.
• Avoidance of heat and heavy exercise can help control the rash.
• Tetracycline or itraconazole may helps some patients.
• Applying talc baby powder to the areas several times a day will help prevent recurrences.
• Oral retinoids such as acitretin or isotretinoin have been reported to be helpful. However, they have important side effects and are not necessary for mild cases.

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