Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis By Kathy Schiffenhaus
- Aromatika Magazine
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Pg. 96-100 4-minute read
Grover's Disease (GD), also called Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis (TAD), is a rare skin condition first described by Dr. Ralph Grover in 1970. It affects less than 1% of people, mostly white men over 50. GD causes a very itchy, red, bumpy rash, usually on the chest and back. The bumps may have blisters filled with fluid. It can come and go or last for a long time, and there is no known cure. Some cases go away in weeks or months, while others can last for years.
GD is a rare and often misunderstood skin condition with no known cause or cure. While some experts suggest that GD may be linked to other skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or asteatotic dermatitis, it does not result from bacteria, fungus, or diet. One theory is that the condition arises from faulty keratinization, which affects how the outer skin layer forms. Several triggers have been identified, including heat, excessive sweating, sun exposure, dry skin, certain medications like chemotherapy, radiation exposure, and prolonged bed rest. GD tends to be more noticeable in winter due to dryness but can occur year-round.
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a biopsy, as Grover’s can be mistaken for other skin conditions like Darier disease or autoimmune disorders. There’s no standardized treatment, but managing itching and flare-ups is the focus. Initial treatments may involve moisturizers, anti-itch creams, antihistamines, and avoiding irritants. For more severe or persistent cases, stronger treatments like topical vitamin D, corticosteroids, retinoids, or even phototherapy may be used. Methotrexate is considered in the most resistant cases, though it carries risks. Natural remedies such as menthol or camphor lotions, lukewarm baths, and avoiding excessive heat or exercise can also provide relief.
The author’s personal encounter with a GD case—Bev, a healthy 72-year-old woman—sparked a deeper exploration of the disease. Bev, a breast cancer survivor, developed GD after her hysterectomy and struggled with painful rashes that did not respond well to conventional treatments. In her journey, the author also met two other women with mild GD, challenging the belief that it primarily affects men. Despite extensive research and expert opinions, the condition remains mysterious and difficult to treat. Motivated by a desire to help, the author crafted a gentle, soothing salve using natural ingredients and essential oils to provide some relief for the women affected.
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