Grover’s disease is a fairly common ailment, primarily occurring in men over age 50. Though it is usually not a severe condition, it can make those affected seriously uncomfortable. A skin irritation of unidentified cause, Grover’s disease generally causes a series of small, red spots on the back and chest. Sometimes, the spots may appear on the arms and thighs. While Grover’s disease treatments are made available to relieve symptoms, there is no known cure to get rid of it permanently. It will typically run its course for about six to twelve months; but it can re-appear occasionally.
When your doctor has diagnosed you with Grover’s disease, you can begin treatment with more than a few approaches. Minor cases can frequently be treated with a topical corticosteroid or cortisone cream. These medications ease itching and reduce inflammation. Nevertheless, they shouldn’t be applied to the skin too liberally as excess moisture can exacerbate symptoms. If these don’t work, your specialist can prescribe oral retinoids such as acitretin or isotretinoin. Used over a course of one to three months, these medications will deal with the rash from the inside out, causing it to dry out and disappear gradually.
If these medications are not successful, or if you have a more serious case of Grover’s disease, your physician may recommend the use of UVB phototherapy. However, while it can be very effective, phototherapy should be used with a specialist’s supervision because it can cause further damage if not used properly.
Other methods to keep Grover’s disease at bay are to keep the skin dry and to avoid any activity that may trigger sweating. Sweating generally irritates affected skin and could result in complications like dermatitis. Ironically, while sweating is known to worsen Grover’s disease, it is more common for patients to suffer from it in the winter, rather than the warmer summer months. The reason for this occurrence is unknown, but it may have something to do with sensitivity to extreme temperatures.
As with any infection, the most important step in treating Grover’s disease is to see your family doctor. Rashes can be brought about by many different disorders, and it is imperative that you know precisely what you are dealing with prior to treatment. After your doctor has diagnosed you with Grover’s disease, you can begin a course of treatment and you will be better equipped to identify the symptoms and evade any impending complications.
Although it can be frustrating and uncomfortable, Grover’s disease does not have to prevent you from living an enjoyable life. Visit your doctor at the first sign of itching or rash, and find out what cures would work best for you.