Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsWhen to See a DermatologistTreatment for Mild CasesTreatment for Severe CasesSelf-Care TreatmentDietCo-Occurring Conditions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
When to See a Dermatologist
Treatment for Mild Cases
Treatment for Severe Cases
Self-Care Treatment
Diet
Co-Occurring Conditions
Grover’s disease—also called transientacantholyticdermatosis—is a rare skin condition usually causing a rash on your chest and back. The term “transient,” refers to the fact that the rash comes and goes.
Grover’s disease most often occurs in White males who are age 50 and older. Symptoms usually appear as a trunk rash with very itchy red spots. Most cases of this disease last six to 12 months, though it can remain longer.
While the cause of this problem is unknown, most outbreaks can be managed. Treatments range from home remedies to prescribed therapies. These include creams, ointments, pills, injections, and/orphototherapy(light therapy) based on the degree of your problem.
This article describes common symptoms and treatments used in Grover’s disease.
miniseries / Getty Images
Temporary Grover’s Disease Symptoms
Temporary Grover’s disease can be hard to identify, especially when symptoms begin. It usually starts as an itchy chest or an itchy spot on your back, then quickly spreads and includes the following symptoms:
Grover’s disease usually lasts from six months to one year and is more common onset in the winter months
Drugs That May Increase Your Risk of Grover’s DiseaseThough it is unclear whether the following drugs contribute to the onset of Grover’s disease, the condition has been reported with the use of the following drugs:BRAF inhibitors (drugs that inhibitBRAF mutations, which are DNA changes in some cancer cells) including the following:Zelboraf (vemurafenib)Tafinlar (dabrafenib)Braftovi (encorafenib)Cytotoxicchemotherapy drugs (a group of 80 chemotherapy drugs that are toxic to cells, including cancer cells) including the following:Adriamycin (doxorubicin)Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)DacarbazineOncovin (vincristine)
Drugs That May Increase Your Risk of Grover’s Disease
Though it is unclear whether the following drugs contribute to the onset of Grover’s disease, the condition has been reported with the use of the following drugs:BRAF inhibitors (drugs that inhibitBRAF mutations, which are DNA changes in some cancer cells) including the following:Zelboraf (vemurafenib)Tafinlar (dabrafenib)Braftovi (encorafenib)Cytotoxicchemotherapy drugs (a group of 80 chemotherapy drugs that are toxic to cells, including cancer cells) including the following:Adriamycin (doxorubicin)Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)DacarbazineOncovin (vincristine)
Though it is unclear whether the following drugs contribute to the onset of Grover’s disease, the condition has been reported with the use of the following drugs:
BRAF inhibitors (drugs that inhibitBRAF mutations, which are DNA changes in some cancer cells) including the following:
Cytotoxicchemotherapy drugs (a group of 80 chemotherapy drugs that are toxic to cells, including cancer cells) including the following:
When to See a Dermatologist for Grover’s Disease
You will not be able to diagnose Grover’s disease on your own. Since the disease is relatively rare, it may not be recognizable to the untrained eye. It can easily be confused with other rashes, as well. Adermatologist(a specialist in medical conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) can identify the disease and manage your treatment.
While most rashes are not a life-threatening condition, they may be a sign of a serious problem that warrants further assessment or treatment. The most common reason for visiting a dermatologist is when the severe itching interferes with daily life.
The American Association of Dermatology Association (AAD) advises that you see adermatologistif any of the following characteristics accompany your rash:
Your dermatologist will make a diagnosis using the following criteria:
10 Warning Signs to Seek Immediate Care for a Rash
Treatment for Mild Grover’s Disease
While some cases of Grover’s disease resolve on their own, there is no need to allow symptoms to remain untreated. Though there is no cure, the following therapies can provide relief to help reduce inflammation and itching, which can be valuable in preserving your quality of life:
Some people achieve symptom relief with the following natural remedies for Grover’s disease:
6 Essential Vitamins for Skin Health
Treatment for Severe Grover’s Disease That Lasts Longer
Though Grover’s disease is not life-threatening, it can cause severe itching that interferes with your quality of life. While the condition is transient, it can come and go in multiple episodes.
When first-line therapies such as topical steroids don’t provide relief and itching is intense, the following treatments may be used:
Is Grover’s Disease an Autoimmune Condition?
Self-Care Treatment for Grover’s Disease
While you are waiting for prescription medication to resolve symptoms of Grover’s disease, self-care treatments can help you avoid known triggers. To do this, take the following measures:
Causes and Treatments for Itchy Skin (Pruritus)
Which Foods to Eat and Avoid With Grover’s Disease
While the cause of Grover’s disease is unknown, certain foods have demonstrated therapeutic and health-promoting effects in some inflammatory skin conditions.
Consider the following when choosing foods.
Foods withomega-3 fatty acidscan have suppressive and anti-inflammatory impact.Foods that provide omega-3s include the following:
Foods with Vitamin C, including the following:
Foods high in antioxidants, including the following:
Foods high invitamin E:
Avoid eating the following foods that may trigger or aggravate itchy skin. This can include the following.
Refined sugar and refined carbohydrates often found in the following foods:
Dairy:
Meats withnitratesor nitrites:
Whey protein, excess coffee, fried foods, and alcohol can also trigger and aggravate the skin.
Co-Occurring Conditions in Grover’s Disease Patients
There is no known cause for Grover’s disease. However, the following conditions can co-occur with Grover’s disease or worsen its symptoms:
Since Grover’s disease typically occurs in men age 50 and over, the possibility of having multiple comorbidities (other conditions) commonly experienced in older age increases. Using drugs and therapies for other conditions can potentially complicate the effectiveness of treatment options such as steroids and retinoids.
Summary
Grover’s disease is a skin problem that most often affects your back, neck, and chest. It causes a rash that results in small red and itchy bumps.
Diagnosis often involves a skin biopsy to rule out other skin problems. While this condition often resolves on its own within six to 12 months, it can recur many times.
There is no cure for this problem. Treatment centers on soothing symptoms so you can maintain your quality of life until the issue runs its course. Without treatment, intense itching can affect your daily life and even prevent sleep.
Early diagnosis can help you receive prompt treatment to help prevent the problem from becoming severe. This disease is not life-threatening.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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