Grover's disease is a skin condition that can affect persons of any age. It is more common among men above the age of 50. This skin condition is also called transient acantholytic dermatosis or persistent acantolytic dermatosis, depending on the manifestation of the symptoms.
Grover’s disease results in itchy spots on the mid chest and back area; sometimes, it may spread over the rest of the body. There may also be bleeding and oozing, at times. The symptoms are an itchy, raw rash that can last for almost a year. It is mostly identified by the papules and papulovesicles that are often found on the chest. Grover’s disease may also be present in people who do not show any signs of itching or the presence of any rash.
In general, the disease is triggered by sweating or if the body is under heat stress. Grover’s disease is more prevalent in people who are sick and lie in bed for long durations. Also, it is found more in people with dry skin who are often exposed to sun light. The disease can exacerbate in the winter months. Extreme temperatures and weather conditions can also trigger Grover’s disease.
Most often, it is important to consult a dermatologist to diagnose the condition. Diagnosis may include a skin biopsy to confirm the disease.
The treatment for Grover’s disease lies more in controlling the condition, as there is no permanent cure. Medications prescribed most often are corticosteroid injections, anti- fungal creams, or antihistamines. Minor breakouts can be controlled by applying topical creams. In severe cases, phytotherapy treatment is advised. For topical application, calcipotriol cream and diphemanil methylsulfate powder can be used. Moisturizing creams or antipruritic lotions that contain menthol and camphor are also helpful. Cortisone pills are also known to help with Grover’s disease, but the rash manifests immediately once the medication is stopped. Hydrocortisone topical cream can be applied frequently to achieve better results. It is found that the mercury present in the body causes a cell reaction that triggers Grover's disease; thus, it is essential to avoid exposure to mercury.
As there is no permanent cure for Grover’s disease, it is imperative to keep the condition under control. It is important to stay in a cool place if one is predisposed to Grover’s disease. One can also wear loose fitting clothes to constrain excessive perspiration and to keep the body cooler. Coconut oil can be applied if the skin is too dry. Coconut oil also helps ease any itching sensation due to its moisturizing and soothing properties. You should also try avoiding strenuous physical activity to prevent sweating, and if you sweat a lot, it is essential to have a cold shower after any activity to prevent the sweat ducts from getting blocked. Applying sandal wood powder mixed with water as paste can also relive you from the itch and soothe the rash. You can also mix rose water with sandal wood powder for the purpose of application. This helps to reduce itching and irritation - major causes for the rash erupting and leading to bleeding.
In case the condition is repetitive and persistent, it can lead to dermatitis and other skin infections. In such cases, it is best to consult a dermatologist for further treatment. Keep in mind that the above mentioned home remedies may or may not work as they have been scientifically proven. Consulting a doctor at the outset is always better.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.