Many kinds of skin problems are faced by millions of people around the globe. Some are temporary and others are chronic and severe. Grover’s disease is one of those temporary skin disorders causing small lesions on the skin. It is often found on adult males forming papules or blisters on the chest and the back. What exactly triggers this disorder is not yet identified. Grover’s disease can be managed by topical creams and oral medications. For most of the affected people itchy lesions may lasts for 6-9 weeks but in rare cases it may last for several months also.
Symptoms
Grover’s disease is marked by itching rash formed on the middle of the chest and back. Red colored bumpy spots are formed on the skin which is known as ‘papules’. The shape of the lesions can be well defined, firm and small. It can cause intense itching and in rare cases, the lesions may bleed oozing out yellowish pus.
Again the lesions are periodic for some people forming suddenly during winter. The lesions contain watery fluid that may bleed over time. The blisters or lesions are marked by slightly round shaped plaques on dry surface of the skin. For some people the formation of lesions are temporary and for this reason the disease is described as Transient Acnatholytic Dermatosis and for others it can be permanent and chronic (long-lasting).
Causes
Grover’s disease is believed to occur due to exposure of skin, blocking of sweat glands and weakened immunity. Scientists are yet to discover the exact cause of this skin problem. Skin cells in the body are bonded by special cement and in some people; the skin loses the cement content separating the cells leading to Grover’s disease. This process can occur due to long period of time and the disease is common in older males than females.
Sweating can be a cause for this skin problem. When the sweat glands are blocked by dirt it may give rise to red bumpy lesions on the skin. The disease is common in dry skinned people. Exposure to sun rays is another factor for excessive skin damage. The skin gets tanned completely losing its moisture due to over exposure to sun. After certain period it may give rise to lesions or red bumps. Weakened immunity can also trigger skin rashes. In some cases, the cause is unknown and the lesions occur naturally.
Diagnosis
Grover’s disease can be identified by the conspicuous red colored bumpy lesions on the chest and back. However to confirm the diagnosis, your skin doctor may take out a small tissue sample of the skin for testing in the lab. When studied under a microscope, the Grover’s disease can be diagnosed with the separated cells (acantholysis) of the skin.
Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Grovers Disease :
Treatment
Majority of the cases of this disease can be managed by topical creams and ointments. Creams that contain hydrocortisone are effective in controlling formation of fresh lesions. It gives relief from itching also. For major outbreak, high strength of cortisone cream is prescribed. Tetracycline cream can also be applied for few weeks.
In severe cases, phototherapy is given or cortisone injection is given directly on the affected skin area. Diphemanil methylsufate powder like Pantal can keep your skin cool and reduce sweating. Oral medications like isotretinoin or acitretin is also given. In rare cases Grover’s disease can become complicated to treat and the symptoms may return after short period.