Grover disease: review of subtypes with a focus on management options

Int J Dermatol. 2020 May;59(5):543-550. doi: 10.1111/ijd.14700. Epub 2019 Nov 14.

Abstract

Grover disease (GD) is a benign eruption that causes a papulovesicular rash on the trunk and proximal extremities. It often resolves spontaneously but can follow a more chronic and fluctuating course that may last several years. Although the etiology remains unknown, several associated triggers have been identified including heat and sweating, cool and dry air, renal failure, malignancy, and the initiation of several drugs. Since the disease tends to resolve on its own, management is aimed at disease prevention and symptomatic relief. First-line therapy includes topical steroids and vitamin D analogues with adjuvant antihistamines. In more severe cases that are refractory to less aggressive therapy, systemic corticosteroids, retinoids, and phototherapy may lead to successful resolution. Novel therapies are few and have little evidence but involve innovative use of light therapy and immune modulators. Herein, we review the literature and new trends of GD with a focus on established and novel treatments.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acantholysis / classification*
  • Acantholysis / diagnosis
  • Acantholysis / drug therapy*
  • Acantholysis / etiology
  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Administration, Oral
  • Darier Disease / diagnosis
  • Dermoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Emollients / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Histamine Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / diagnosis
  • Ichthyosis / classification*
  • Ichthyosis / diagnosis
  • Ichthyosis / drug therapy*
  • Ichthyosis / etiology
  • Pemphigus / diagnosis
  • Pemphigus, Benign Familial / diagnosis
  • Photochemotherapy / methods
  • Retinoids / administration & dosage
  • Skin / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Genetic / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / diagnosis
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Emollients
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Retinoids
  • Vitamin D

Supplementary concepts

  • Dowling-Degos Disease
  • Grover's disease