Grover’s disease is a skin condition that is characterized by itchy red lumps that appear primarily on the torso of the patient. Although the condition is not serious, it can be irritating, and it can lead to other more serious skin problems if left untreated. The precise cause of this disease is not fully understood, making treatment difficult for some patients. Any person who notices a prolonged skin rash or outbreak should see a dermatologist who can examine it and determine the best course of treatment.
This disease occurs most commonly in older men, typically those over the age of 40 or 50. It appears to be triggered by exposure to heat, and it may accompany an incident of heat stress. The affected skin forms small papules or bubbles, which may look almost like blisters. In many cases, Grover’s disease is accompanied with severe itching, which is what sends most people to a healthcare professional. In addition to appearing on the torso, Grover’s also pops up on the back and legs.
Medical professionals may also refer to this condition as Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis, or TAD. The “transient” is a reference to the fact that the disease can linger for between six and 12 months, and it may appear or disappear without any warning. Under a microscope, a scraping of the skin will look very distinctive, with cell separation and sometimes abnormal cell shapes as well. When the condition persists, it can lead to skin infections and dermatitis as a result of irritation, which is why many healthcare providers will prescribe treatments for it, rather than letting it take its course.
Many medical professionals recommend that patients with Grover’s disease keep cool and wear loose fitting clothing made from natural fibers to reduce irritation. Skin creams and moisturizers may be prescribed, along with cortisone cream or steroids, in some cases. Since the itchy red spots can be extremely irritating, patients may wear shirts to bed to reduce the possibility of scratching, and in severe cases, a medical professional may prescribe a medication to reduce the itching sensation.
A change in the appearance of the skin should not necessarily be alarming, but people should keep an eye on things like rashes, lumps, and moles. If a skin outbreak doesn’t clear up within a week or if it seems to be progress rapidly, an individual make an appointment with a healthcare professional to make sure that the condition is not serious. Since a range of conditions can look identical to the naked eye, the use of diagnostic tools like microscopes is essential to make sure that patients get the right treatment.