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Grover's Disease

Grover's disease (GD), or transient acantholytic dermatosis, is a pruritic dermatosis primarily affecting middle-aged men, located principally on the trunk, and occurring as crops of discrete popular and papulovesicular lesions, sparse or numerous. Pruritus can be major problem. As the name implies, the principal histopathologic feature of the lesions is the presence of acantholysis. GD is self-limited but not always transient, since the course may last for weeks to several months or more.

Causes of Grover's Disease

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.

Signs and symptoms of Grover's Disease

Skin Symptoms Pruritus that is out of proportion to the exent of the eruption.

Skin Lesions Skin-colored or reddish papules (small, 3 to 5 mm, some with slight scale or smooth), papulovesicles, and erosions. Upon palpation, smooth or warty. Scattered, discrete on central trunk and proximal extremities.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of GD may be difficult, and a biopsy is required; the histologic findings, are diagnostic.

Treatment of Grover's Disease

• Topical Class II topical glucocorticoids under plastic (e.g., dry-cleaning plastic suit bags with holes cut for arms) are used for 4 h.
• Systemic Oral glucocorticoids and dapsone have been used with success, but relapses occur after withdrawal.
• A course of tetracycline or itraconazole helps some patients.
• Phototherapy UVB or PUVA photochemotherapy is useful for patients who do not respond to topical glucocorticoids under occlusion.

Prevention of Grover's Disease

• Avoid heat
• Moisturizing creams are also helpful.
• Remain cool, as further sweating will induce more itchy spots.