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$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.