National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Grover's disease

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
TAD; Transient acantholytic dermatosis; Persistent acantholytic dermatosis
Categories:
Grover's disease is a skin condition that causes the appearance of small, red spots. These spots usually develop on the chest or back, but may also form on other parts of the body. This condition frequently leads to intense itching, although it may cause no symptoms. Most cases last six to twelve months. Occasionally, this condition may persist for longer periods, or it may come and go over time.[1] The exact cause is unknown; however, a number of factors may cause or worsen the condition including heat and sweating. While there is no cure for Grover's disease, there may be ways to manage the condition, such as avoidance of factors that worsen symptoms, moisturizers, and topical corticosteroids.[2][3]
Last updated: 12/21/2016
The cause of Grover's disease is not well understood. There are certain factors that are suspected to lead to the development of Grover's disease or worsen symptoms including:[2][3]
  • Heat and sweating
  • Sunlight
  • Exposure to ionizing radiation (example sun, microwaves, X-rays)
  • End-stage renal disease (kidney failure)
  • Prolonged bed rest
  • Organ transplantation

Some cases of Grover's disease have been associated with certain medications, including antiviral medications, such as ribavirin and biologic agents used for cancer therapy, such as anastrozole. Grover's disease has additionally been found in individuals who have other similar dermatological diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.[3] 

Last updated: 12/21/2016
There is no cure for Grover's disease and treatment is usually based on a person's symptoms. Affected individuals are usually advised to avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sun exposure, as sweating and heat may induce more itchy spots. Initial treatment options include topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone, anti-itch lotions containing menthol or camphor, and calcipotriol cream. For more severe cases, options include tetracycline, isotretinoin, antifungal pills such as itraconazole, PUVA phototherapy, and cortisone (steroid) injections. These treatments have important side effects and may not be necessary for mild cases.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 12/21/2016
The prevalence (number of existing cases of a disease) and incidence (number of new cases over a period of time) have not been firmly established for Grover's disease. In a study from Switzerland, Grover's disease was diagnosed in 24 of more than 30,000 skin biopsies.[2][3] This condition most commonly affects middle-aged white men, although other ages, ethnic groups, and genders may be affected.[2]
Last updated: 12/21/2016

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology provides information on Grover's disease.
  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Grover's disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Transient acantholytic dermatosis. DermNet New Zealand. February 2016; http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/transient-acantholytic-dermatosis/.
  2. Zabawski EJ. Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis. Medscape Reference. March 31, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1124347.
  3. Riemann H, High WA. Grover's disease (transient and persistent acantholytic dermatosis). UpToDate. February 12, 2016; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/grovers-disease-transient-and-persistent-acantholytic-dermatosis.