Grover's disease

Grover's disease is characterized by an itchy eruption that may last an average of 10-12 months. Grover's disease frequently starts fairly suddenly. It is characterized by papules and papulovesicles with excoriations occurring on the chest, back, lower sternum, arms, and thighs. Grover's disease most often affects men over 50. It is less common in women or younger people. It is more common in those who are unwell in some way, but can arise in quite healthy people as well.

It frequently starts quite suddenly and is more regular in winter than in summer. It appears to be triggered by exposure to heat, and it may accompany an incident of heat stress. Many affected individuals are sun damaged.  Treatment often seems unsatisfactory. Moisturising creams or antipruritic lotions containing menthol and camphor may also help.

Calcipotriol cream has been reported to be of benefit. The most important thing is to remain cool, as further sweating will induce more itchy spots. A mild topical steroid such as hydrocortisone in a cool lotion can be applied frequently to the affected areas and result in relief. A treatment option is a cream consisting Zinc Oxide, Talc, Glycerol. The cream helps with the itching and promotes faster healing. A course of tetracycline or an oral antifungal medication such as itraconazole helps some patients.

Phototherapy can be helpful, but may also provoke the disease. Cortisone pills clear it up temporarily, but the rash returns as soon as the drug is stopped. Avoidance of heat and heavy exercise can help control the rash. Applying talc baby powder to the areas several times a day will help prevent recurrences. Applying talc baby powder to the areas several times a day will help prevent recurrences. Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier will often help prevent flare-ups of Grover’s disease.