$Unique_ID{BRK03790} $Pretitle{} $Title{Grover's Disease} $Subject{Grover's Disease TAD Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis Darier Disease Dermatitis Herpetiformis Pemphigus} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1992 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 897: Grover's Disease ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of the article (Grover's Disease) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing to find the alternate name and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms TAD Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Darier Disease Dermatitis Herpetiformis Pemphigus General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The Information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Grover's Disease is a rare temporary skin disorder that consists of small, firm, raised red lesions on the skin. Under a microscope one finds separation of closely connected cells in the skin's outer layers (acantholysis) that can be identified by a dermatologist. Small blisters containing a watery liquid are present. These blisters tend to group and have a swollen red border around them. Grover's Disease is mainly seen in males over the age of forty. It's cause is unknown but it is thought to be related to trauma to sun damaged skin. Symptoms Symptoms of Grover's Disease are small, solid, raised bumps on the skin; separation of closely connected tissues in the skin's outer layers (acantholysis); and itching (pruritus). Patients with this disorder often have blisters containing a thin, watery liquid with hair follicles (recessed spots with a central hair) within the affected area. The skin eruptions are found in groups and have a swollen, red border around them. The formation of skin overgrowth (hyperkeratosis) occurs above the blisters. There is an abnormality of the horny layer of the skin resulting from a disturbance in the process by which skin cells, damaged by the environment, attach to each other. The eruptions in Grover's Disease are usually found on the back, chest and sometimes on the sides of the extremities (arms and legs) and can last from a few weeks to many months. Causes The exact cause of Grover's Disease is not known. It may be related to fragility of old sun-damaged skin. Some doctors feel that this skin disorder may be related to heat and sweating. There have been multiple cases of this disorder associated with such things as hot tubs, hot water bottles, electric blankets, steam baths and prolonged confinement to a bed. This theory has not been proven. At least one case of this disorder has been associated with follicle mites which are parasites. Affected Population Grover's Disease is a rare skin disorder seen mainly in males over the age of forty although it has also been found in females. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Grover's Disease. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Darier Disease is a gradually progressive, hereditary skin disorder. It is characterized by elevated spots (papules) on the scalp, forehead, face, neck, area behind the ears and middle of the back. Gradual burning and itching occurs and the spots become larger, darker and may be covered with grey/brown scales or crusts. This disorder is gradually progressive, and tends to become more severe with exposure to sunshine and/or emotional stress. Darier Disease is inherited as a dominant trait. (For more information on this disorder choose "Darier Disease" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Dermatitis Herpetiformis is an uncommon skin disorder affecting 15 to 60 year olds. Clustered blisters and firm spots (papules) may occur on the skin of the extensor areas (elbows, knees, pelvis, buttocks, skull), face and neck. Itching and burning may be severe. IgA (antibodies found in sweat, tears and saliva) is found in almost all normal-looking and blistered skin. The exact cause of Dermatitis Herpetiformis is unknown. (For more information on this disorder choose "Dermatitis Herpetiformis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Pemphigus is a group of rare skin disorders characterized by blisters in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and within mucous membranes (the thin moist lining of the body's internal surfaces). The location and type of blisters varies according to the type of Pemphigus. Blisters are common to all types of Pemphigus. They may be firm or soft. Blisters form due to separation of closely connected tissues in the epidermis (acantholysis). Most patients with this disorder have increased IgG (a particular antibody in the blood that fights foreign substances) in the blood and in the areas of the blisters. IgG attacks foreign substances (antigens) located on the surface of particular skin cells and also can attack normal skin cells. (For more information on this disorder choose "Pemphigus" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Therapies: Standard Grover's Disease may be difficult to treat in some patients. There may be only one occurrence of the disorder which responds well to treatment or prolonged therapy may be needed and multiple occurrences may occur. Decreased bathing and topical lubrication is usually beneficial. Topical steroids and antihistamines may provide temporary relief of the itching that occurs with Grover's Disease. Antibiotics are often helpful. Topical treatment with selenium sulfide has been effective in clearing up the lesions on some patients. Isotretinoin has also been effective in the treatment of lesions in some patients with Grover's Disease. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through February 1992. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Grover's Disease, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Information Clearinghouse Box AMS Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 495-4484 References TRANSIENT ACANTHOLYTIC DERMATOSIS (GROVER'S DISEASE). A SKIN DISORDER RELATED TO HEAT AND SWEATING: E.M. Farber, et al.; Arch Dermatol (November 1985, issue 121(11)). Pp. 1439-41. GROVER'S DISEASE TREATED WITH ISOTRETINOIN. REPORT OF FOUR CASES: R.J. Helfman; J Am Acad Dermatol (June 1985, issue 12(6)). Pp. 981-4. DEMODICIDOSIS MIMICKING GRANULOMATOUS ROSACEA AND TRANSIENT ACANTHOLYTIC DERMATOSIS (GROVER'S DISEASE): A. Lindmaier, et al.; Dermatologica (1987, issue 175(4)). Pp. 200-4. RAPID RESPONSE OF TRANSIENT ACANTHOLYTIC DERMATOSIS TO SELENIUM SULFIDE TREATMENT FOR PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR: R. Segal, et al.; Dermatologica (1987, issue 175-4)). Pp. 205-7. ERYTHEMATOUS PLAQUE VARIANT OF TRANSIENT ACANTHOLYTIC DERMATOSIS: Y. Horiuchi, et al.; Cutis (July 1986, issue 38(1)). Pp. 48-9. MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME AND TRANSIENT ACANTHOLYTIC DERMATOSIS: P.F. Rockley, et al.; Cleve Clin J Med (September 1990, issue 57(6)). Pp. 575-7.