Grover's disease is a skin condition affecting the chest and back. Although frequently itchy, it may cause no symptoms.

Grover's disease most often affects men over 50. It is also known as "transient acantholytic dermatosis", and is much less common in women or younger people. Grover's disease often starts quite suddenly. It results in very itchy spots on the central back, mid chest and occasionally elsewhere. Frequently, it follows sweating or some unexpected heat stress.

There are pink or red bumps, which may be blistered, crusted or eroded. There may be slight bleeding.

Sometimes, Grover's disease can be complicated by the development of dermatitis. In this case there are larger itchy patches with a dry surface, and the rash may spread to affect other areas of the body.

Dermatologists may make the diagnosis from the appearance of the rash, but a skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm it. Grover's disease has a characteristic appearance under the microscope.

Most cases of Grover's disease last six to twelve months. Occasionally it may persist for longer.

Treatment

• Remain cool, as further sweating will induce more itchy spots.
• Apply a mild topical steroid such as hydrocortisone in a cool lotion. It can be applied frequently to the affected areas and relieve itching.
• Moisturizing creams are also helpful.
• A course of tetracycline or itraconazole helps some patients.
• Experimentally, oral retinoids such as acitretin or isotretinoin can be helpful. However, they have important side effects and are not necessary for mild cases.