Grover's disease

Grover's disease, or Transient Acantholytic Dyskeratosis (TAD), is a common skin disease characterized by small red, bumpy spots.

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Symptoms

Grover's disease often starts quite suddenly. It results in very itchy spots on the central back, mid chest and occasionally elsewhere. Frequently, it follows sweating or some unexpected heat stress.

Symptoms of Grover's disease are characterized by an itchy eruption that may last an average of 10-12 months. It is characterized by papules and papulovesicles with excoriations occurring on the chest, back, lower sternum, arms, and thighs^[1]. Grover's Disease is mainly seen in males over the age of forty^[2] and the papules are found on the mid chest most often.

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 a dermatologist, however, itch a lot.

Diagnosis

Grover's may be suspected by its appearance, but since it has such a characteristic appearance under the microscope a shave 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.

Treatment

The most important thing about Grovers disease treatment is to remain cool, as further sweating will induce more itchy spots. Minor outbreaks can be controlled with prescription strength topical cortisone creams. More troubling eruptions usually clear up after taking Accutane or Tetracycline pills for one to three months. If these fail or the outbreak is severe, PUVA phototherapy treatments, antifungal pills and cortisone injections are alternatives^[3].

Sometimes, Grover's disease can be complicated by the development of dermatitis. The cause of Grover's is unknown But it also may arise in quite dry skin. Many affected individuals are sun damaged^[4].

References