Grover's Disease

WHAT IS GROVER'S DISEASE?

Grover's disease (transient acantholytic dermatosis) is a condition that appears suddenly as itchy red spots on the trunk, most often in older men. Minor cases of Grover's disease may be rather common. Sometimes the features of Grover's are found in people who do not itch or have a conspicuous rash. Most of the people with Grover's who visit our office complain of itching, especially on the trunk. They often note the problem is exacerbated with heat,sweating and the sun.

HOW DOES GROVER'S DISEASE APPEAR ON THE SKIN?

Grover's may be suspected by its appearance, but since it has such a characteristic appearance under the microscope a skin biopsy is often performed. Once confirmed, most cases of Grover's disease last six to twelve months (which is why it was originally called "transient"). Unfortunately it may last much longer and can recur each summer.

The process usually begins as an eruption of the skin on the anterior part of the chest, the upper part of the back, and the lower part of the rib cage Patients who are severely affected may have disseminated disease affecting the neck, the shoulders, the arms, and the legs.

The scalp is usually not affected, and the palms and the soles are almost always spared.

Individual lesions are erythematous to red brown keratotic papules that remain discrete and do not usually tend to coalesce.

Occasionally, lesions may be acneiform, vesicular, pustular, and rarely even bullous. Although the most common presentation is that of widespread scattered papules, unusual distributions, including zosteriform or unilateral, may occur.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

The cause of Grover's is unknown. Sometimes it seems to start up or worsen after exposure to extremes of temperature; other times it appears for no known reason.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF GROVER'S DISEASE?

Minor outbreaks can be controlled with prescription strength topical cortisone creams and cooling lotions. More troubling eruptions usually clear up with Vitamin A or Tetracycline pills for one to three months. If these fail or the outbreak is severe, PUVA phototherapy treatments, antifungal pills, Methotrexate and cortisone injections are alternatives.

For more information on Grover's disease or to set up a consultation, click here or call 904-285-7546. Thank you and we look forward to helping you.