What is Grover’s Disease?
Grover’s disease is also known as transient acantholytic dermatosis. It is a condition where itchy red papules develop, often on the back or upper chest. Grover’s disease may last a few months or it can continue on and off for years. It can often come and go, sometimes made worse by high temperatures, sweating, and very dry skin.
How is Grover’s Disease Treated?
There is no cure for Grover’s Disease, and treatment is geared toward relieving the symptoms. The first step is to avoid factors that can aggravate the condition, such as high temperatures, sweating, and dry skin. Itch is usually the main complaint. Usually high-potency steroid creams, such as triamcinolone or clobetasol, along with antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) are helpful. Sometimes a course of isotretinoin (Accutane) or acitretin (Soriatane) may be helpful. Light therapy (phototherapy) may be effective in some cases. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight or ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light from lasers or special light bulbs.
