The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Reishi and Shiitake Mushrooms
Posted by Francesco (Vittorio Veneto (ita)) on 10/24/2017
★★★★★
Hi all, at first sorry for my poor english (I'm italian). It is a long time I suffer for grover disease (years), up to a month ago. that time a gave a try to medicinal mushrooms, rieshi and shiitake. Make sure pills are composed of extract PLUS powder of the mushroom, both of them. Take 4 grams per day each mushroom, 2 grams breakfast and other 2 at dinner. Results may arrive in 2 weeks, amazing!
Medications
Posted by Sysya (Highland, Ca) on 09/22/2017
★★★★★
The ONLY thing that worked for my grover's has been accutane (you need a prescription).
Coconut Oil
Posted by Kathy (London, Ky) on 09/13/2017
How was the outcome longterm?
Seawater
Posted by Penny (Fl) on 09/04/2017
How did the paste work for you? I live in South Florida and had already thought a saltwater swimming pool would be a nice addition to the house. Its better for anyone's skin, than chlorine treated pool water. Thanks.
Vitamin D3
Posted by Jenny (Nsw Australia) on 08/21/2017
Unfortunately I got no relief from this
Vitamin A
Posted by Lynn (New Zealand) on 08/09/2017
Hi Pet,
I am interested in trying your Vitamin A dose to heal Grovers. I have had Chronic Grovers for nearly 2 years and would do just about anything to fix it. However, I have read that high doses of preformed (supplemental) Vit A can be toxic and quite dangerous. I would be interested to know how you are doing now and if the process continues to heal and are you now on the daily maintenance dose you stated? Thanks and all the best.
Seawater
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 07/10/2017
Hi Lynn,
For sure....! We were frequently advised by parents when growing up on our small island in the pre-historic era to take our skin problems into the surrounding sea water for an inexpensive treatment. Seemed to work a treat. We are prone to being somewhat cynical of things touted as being simple or free but it is frequently in the mind I reckon. My ears and sinus condition also improved if I tried a bit of diving, as long as I pretended to be a dog when exiting the water by shaking my head about a bit to drain the ears, much to the amusement of my friends and on-lookers. This was the brief period in my life when I cared what people thought of me! Only when I got a perforated ear drum was I cautioned not to go swimming for a whole year. If you try out the usual hot pools though, you ought not to duck under unless they are certified as being safe to do so. The offending amoeba is also present in parts of the States as well as New Zealand (in case any Americans are reading this! ). Our grandparents knew a thing or two or three!
Cheers, Michael
Seawater
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Usa) on 07/09/2017
Two cents : histamine creates itching and Dr. Batmanghelidj in his water cures books wrote that histamine is a SIGNAL that the water/ mineral system in the body is out of balance. Sometimes the digestive tract is short of enzymes or acids and cannot break down ingested items we intake. The skin absorbs whatever it comes into contact with .
Seawater
Posted by Lynn (Tauranga, New Zealand) on 07/08/2017
★★★★☆
Hi, Lynn from new Zealand here. Diagnosed with Grovers disease 20 months ago. Have had every steroid cream, OTC creams, lotions and potions, Acetretin and Tetracycline drugs that exist! Or so it seems. Nothing really ever "fixed" the problem. Intense itching and spots, sleepless nights and miserable.
HOWEVER, I recently went on an extended holiday in Bali and swam 2-3 times a day in seawater. Over a short period the rash and itch improved and almost disappeared. Then I went on to Malysia where the seawater was too polluted for swimming. Swam in hotel pools, rash returned . It got me thinking about seawater so I researched this well. Found a site and read the story of Richard L who has cured his Grovers with seaweed powder. I made a paste and applied it afer showering, leave on for 15 minutes and then shower off. Do this for quite some time and he claims his grovers is gone. I'm trying this now.
Also am going to hot pools nearby that are seawater heated by heat exchange, so natural. Skin feels much better afetr each swim and rash and itch DEFINITELY improving. I'll do this for the rest of my life if it gets rid of the Grovers and makes life bearable. Any others found seawater can help?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Leigh (Tucson, Az) on 06/23/2017
Hello, I use the Oregano straight, without diluting. You should find that just a drop massaged into the eruption will relieve the pain. It's also important to maintain very moist skin. Best to make your own moisturizer using ONLY oils such as avocado, coconut, black seed oil, lecithin, etc. One thing that is missing on the EC website is a differentiation of various types of acantholytic dermatosis (Grover's). Most people have the "transient" variety, which does tend to run it's course and eventually resolve. Mine is "focal" which is chronic. Also, most people are attempting to treat this as a "rash". In fact, it is a cellular defect or faulty programming of the skin cells. As my doc explained: "The cells forget how to bind together, creating a fissure in the skin." Sounds horrible, but you can see why this cannot be treated as a rash. The best we can do at this time is to try to soothe the skin and keep it supple. Hope the drops help! Lorraine
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jillian (Eramus) on 06/14/2017
My DH is 74 years old and on a corticosteroid inhaler for emphysema. This stuff has thinned his skin & he has crusty patches that he picks at. One ear practically has a hole in it and it's in his sideburns/beard. Would neem oil help? We've tried acv, vco, oregano oil, colloidal silver, d3 and so much else. I know that his skin sheds toxins b/c he'll get red spots on his back when he has a lung infection--we always know before the dr does. We work on his nutrition but it's hard since he hardly has energy to eat at all and can't chew the raw stuff. We do fix him bone broth and plenty of veg's, low sugar. He can't stop the inhaler or he won't breathe at all. If neem will help, just mix w/ olive oil or something and apply? Thanks.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kate (Maryland) on 06/12/2017
★★★★★
There have been many comments regarding dietary changes (both pro & Con), coconut oil and other topical aides. I would just like to share a few suggestions that have had a very positive long term impact on people suffering chronic extreme skin conditions including Grover's.
1. While the dietary changes may not create an instant 'cure' for your skin condition, eliminating known inflammatory foods and foods with a high sensitivity reaction (i.e. wheat, artificial sweeteners, dyes and chemical ingredients) will improve your over-all health and reduce your whole body inflammation making you less susceptible to flare ups of any dormant condition.
2. Coconut oil can be very soothing...it usually has an impact on skin repair due to it's anti-bacterial properties. I am a huge fan of both the topical and oral benefits of coconut oil but do be careful about extensive long term topical use as some people actually end up with extremely dry skin after repeated daily use...the rash will be gone but the skin will be dry.
3. Probiotics- If there is any bacterial imbalance or lack of beneficial bacteria your immune system will be less than optimal...again, setting you up for a flare up of anything dormant in your system. If you have taken anti-biotics, had a stomach virus or a colonoscopy in the past year then you will benefit from use of a good probiotic.
4. Neem Oil. This stuff stinks to high heaven (unless you are a garlic lover) BUT the healing properties are fantastic...it can be used directly on a severe skin outbreak of any kind (acne, psoriasis, dermatitis of any kind including Grovers) or a few drops can be added to a carrier oil, shampoo or other body care product.
5. Support your skin from the inside out...if you are older and have 'fragile' skin, or are of any age with moderate to severe dry skin you can support the health of your skin with any of the following supplements (or foods)- Skin Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Bone Broth or high Quality bone broth protein (for the collagen) and Astaxanthin.
Stop using body care products that contain chemical ingredients...keep it simple so that you don't end up making your skin worse!
Almost everyone that I have ever worked with to heal a skin issue has had success after working with a combination of these lifestyle changes, body care and supplementation.
Eliminating Sulfites
Posted by Carol (Canton, Connecticut) on 05/12/2017
Not sure the alcohol is completely the cause of Grover's disease. I have never had a drink, not even in college, and have suffered with the disease for the past fifteen years. I have spent way too much time in the sun, however. Oddly, sun exposure helps with outbreaks. This is a very frustrating disease and seems to react differently in every individual. I also tested negatively for any gluten intolerance.
Diaper Rash Cream
Posted by John (Panama City, Fl) on 05/04/2017
★★★★★
I was just diagnosed with Grover's disease after a biopsy of some bumps, turns out I've had mild cases for over 10 years. The intense itching only appeared this year. Over the counter creams seamed to work before, this year they didn't work. I tried Witch Hazel, Epson salt in 'hot' baths, mixtures of natural oils and Melaleuca oils, and others. Years ago my brother had a massive case of jock itch (he's a painter, in the sun and sweats a lot), he works for a local Pharmacy owner. After discussing his issue with him, the Pharmacist suggested "Butt Paste" developed mainly for diaper rash. It gave me immediate relief, three days with a few applications each day. I also found Max Freeze at Walmart has an immediate cooling effect and seems to overpower the itching.
Diaper Rash Cream
Posted by Emma (Va) on 04/11/2017
Please let me know what specific diaper rash cream!!! Desperate here!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Vonnie (Wyoming) on 04/02/2017
You are supposed to dilute Oregano Essential. It works wonders, but it is very harsh if used without dilution.
Zinc Oxide
Posted by Christine (Chandler, Az) on 03/29/2017
Thank you so much for your post. I am a 45 year old female recently diagnosed and my rash was as severe as yours. Crazy nightmare.
Zinc Oxide
Posted by Christine (Chandler, Az) on 03/29/2017
Thank you so much for your post. I am a 45 year old female recently diagnosed and my rash was as severe as yours. Crazy nightmare.
Replace Metal Fillings
Posted by Dan (Philadelphia, Pa.) on 03/27/2017
I had bilateral knee surgery last June and after the implants I noticed the rash and last week it was confirmed by biopsy? Do you have any other information about metals introduced into the body causing Grovers?
Sea Buckthorn Berry
Posted by Megan F (Portland, Oregon ) on 03/22/2017
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Grover's Disease 2 years ago and have tried practically everything to get rid of the itching chest rash. Recently I started using sea buckthorn berry oil rubbed twice per day directly on the rash and it seems to be clearing up and reducing the itchiness (it's been 4 days) I will update if it clears it up totally.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jeanna (Ooltewah, Tn) on 03/11/2017
Do you use the oregano straight or do you dilute it with coconut oil. I bought some of the essential oil oregano and plan to start using it but I was told not to put it on without diluting it?????? My husband has just been diagnosed and he is miserable and broke out all over
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Carolyn (New York , Ny) on 03/03/2017
★★★★☆
I've had Grover's for 11 months. After much trial and error, this has worked for me:
For the rash, application of triamcinolone 0.1% cream twice daily on affected spots. Liberal use of moisturizing cream (any kind) many times a day on all parts of the body and especially on the itchy spots. Only lukewarm showers. No soap (it dries the skin).
For the itching, 1000 mg quercetin daily (available online or in health food stores), and avoiding foods and drinks that either contain histamine or produce histamine in the body. This had been particularly helpful. I usually take it just before dinner, because it's harder to limit the histamine foods for a larger meal. I also take a half pill of Benadryl before bed, and a blend of bifidus probiotics, to help my system produce DAO, which is implicated in histamine intolerance.The Grover's is now under control and I no longer think about the itch.
Vitamin A
Posted by Pete (Ca) on 02/27/2017
★★★★★
High dosages of Vitamin A is what cured my Grover's Disease. I tried everything and my Grover's Disease only got worse...steroid creams, Tetracycline, diaper rash creams, tanning salons, etc. Nothing worked my condition only got worse. My chest and back was covered with the small red bumps and the itching was driving me crazy! Reading everything I could find on the internet on Grover's I decided to stop everything and try a routine of Vitamin A.
About 1 1/2 weeks ago I began taking 48,000 IU of Vitamin A each day. This consisted on two capsules 3 X daily, 8,000 IU each capsule for a total of 48,000 each day. It could be just coincidence, but 10 days later my Grover's Disease is almost 100% gone. I plan on continuing this dosage until I have no signs of the disease then gradually reduce the dosage to a maintenance dosage of 1 Vitamin capsule each day, or 8,000 IU.
I hope this helps as much as I believe it helped me.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Captain Ron (Calgary Alberta) on 02/20/2017
The idea is to not sweat.
In the sum the U/V will burn you but the IR will make you sweat. There are special effective parts of UV spectrum that need to be nurtured. Avoid factors that can cause and aggravate the condition, such as high environmental temperatures, significant sweating, and conversely dry skin.
Mayo Says: Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight or can include the use of artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Because exposure to light can sometimes intensify Grover's disease, light therapy should be directed by a dermatologist who has experience treating patients with Grover's disease.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lorraine (Star, Idaho) on 02/18/2017
Hi Margie,
Sorry to hear about your Grover flare ups. I too have had Grover's for several years, but evidently, it is far less invasive on my skin than what many others on EC are experiencing. I have done a lot of research into the medical journals and have been frustrated that there is so little research or interest in this disease. I would like to share with you the one thing that I have found helps the "itching" (in quotes, because mine is more like a "stabbing pain." I use Oregano oil on my flare ups. It is totally natural, of course, with no side effects, and it works wonders -- almost instantly. You can purchase a dropper bottle of this oil at Vitacost online. If you do try the oil, I would be appreciative if you would let me know whether it works for you.
Best of luck, Lorraine
Coconut Oil
Posted by Charlotte (Texas) on 01/29/2017
I am so interested in this concept myself...I have had Grover's disease for 13 months and am always wanting to use natural products instead of all the medicines the doctors prescribe. Please let me hear from you so I can start on these as soon as possible.
Emu Oil
Posted by Charlotte (Texas) on 01/29/2017
★★★★☆
I have Grover's and was diagnosed in June 2016 after many months of misery. Have been on and off steroid creams, kenalog injection, prednisone(which I just finished a month of yesterday) Am currently taking a small dose of Methotrexate once weekly which I have been on since Dec. 31. I ordered some Emu oil which has helped somewhat. Ice packs help alot when the itching becomes unbearable. My scalp, back and chest are the main problem areas for me. I also use coconut oil but the emu oil seems to help more. Spent LOTS of time in the sun growing up which I am sure is the problem.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Maggie (Plattsburgh, Ny) on 01/28/2017
My advice is do not use peroxide. I did and became inflamed with a different rash and another visit to the dermatologist. It is very harsh on the skin and I've read not even to put it on small wounds or cuts.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Maggie (Plattsburgh, Ny) on 01/28/2017
My doctor recommended UVB lights as well. She said if I can't make it to her office (I have to take a ferry) I could go to a UVB tanning bed for no more than a minute or two once or twice a week and a regular tanning bed for no more than a minute. I haven't tried it yet.
Vitamin D3
Posted by Janet (Idaho) on 01/25/2017
Are you saying you take 400 a day or 4×400 meaning 1600 a day?
Zinc Oxide
Posted by Janet (Idaho) on 01/25/2017
Thank you! I will try it today! I'm 54 (female) and been dealing with it for a year and just had the biopsy last week. Any updates of your experience are appreciated!
Vitamin A
Posted by Brad (St Augustine, Fl) on 01/07/2017
Natalie, thanks for the input. I lived in CA for over 40 years. I moved to Florida 2015. That is when I broke out with GD. I ride bike, and sweat a lot on my chest. I also run into 'no-see-ums' and get several bites each time. Never have I got so many insect bites in my life since living in FL . So it sounds like, heat, sweat and insect bites are the combination of my reaction of GD.
Diaper Rash Cream
Posted by Alfred (New York) on 01/07/2017
★★★★★
I have had tremendous success with diaper rash cream and a juice cleanse.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Yvonne (Maryland) on 01/06/2017
Ice packs are great for itching. I started with Grover's last spring but wasn't diagnosed until September. Heat irriates it so I wouldn't dare lay in the sun. Sweating makes it worse as well. And scratching it makes it worse but sometimes I just have to do it. I really believe all my sunning at the beach years ago may have helped bring this on. I have tried lots of things and only go back to the steroid creams for about a week when it gets really bad. I've tried natural vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil.
Zinc Oxide
Posted by John (Virginia) on 12/26/2016
Lawyers are filing class action lawsuits against sellers of talcum powder such as Johnson & Johnson. You may wish to research the reason for this, before going overboard with talcum powder use.
Vitamin A
Posted by John (Virginia) on 12/26/2016
Here are the vitamins that you can cause adverse reactions if you overdose on them: Vitamins A, D, E & K.
Oil Pulling, Coconut Oil
Posted by Rusty (Jacksonville, Fl) on 12/22/2016
Judy and Martin, I don't have PV, I just have grover's disease.
Oil Pulling, Coconut Oil
Posted by Martin (New York City) on 12/21/2016
I also have PV for 22 years and was just diagnosed with Grovers. Have you had any success in treating Grovers?
Oil Pulling, Coconut Oil
Posted by Rusty (Jacksonville, Fl) on 12/19/2016
The type of water we use to bathe ourselves probably has an effect on grover's disease. I've had grover's for a few years, and it's almost gone because I realized that the more you irritate it with over the counter lotions and perscription creams - the worse it gets, or it just doesn't go away. I don't have a water softner in my house and I shower with "hard" water. I started showering the area that showed a rash WITHOUT using body washes or soaps, and the rash went away. Yes, the grover's disease rash still shows up once in a while. If it flares up, I use a irish spring soap bar (Publix grocery store makes a "spring fresh" brand), and the soap bar really helps my skin. Then I go back to washing my skin in the shower without soap. My skin looks clear from doing this.
Salt Baths
Posted by Robert (Palmdale, Ca) on 12/17/2016
How much salt etc ..do you put into the bath?
Eliminating Sulfites
Posted by Ann D. (Delray Beach, Fl) on 12/02/2016
It's almost 6 yrs now...and counting! First attack occurred during visit to Key West. (but I live in FL, so that should not have been the factor) My dermo thought it was "shingles" (OMG!! ). I used that cream twice and the dermo realized he was on wrong track. New diagnosis was Grover's. He said nothing cures it. I tried going lactose-free, changed laundry detergent, went glucose-free for about 2 wks, but nothing changed. Only blessing is....the itch is not the big problem as initially. Since I drink red wine daily, I'm beginning to wonder if that is the culprit???
Coconut Oil
Posted by Gardeningjunkie (Mo) on 11/14/2016
Margie- Don't ever assume you only have one form of dermatitis. July 2015 at age 67 I was finally given a name for my eczema rashes and also a reason for my internal taser like stinging under my skin that was driving me out of my mind especially at night, it was Allergic Contact Dermatitis or ACD that was keeping me awake at night. I had to turn my world inside out so as not to be in contact with my Patch Test positives. I detoxed my world from my allergens and got a Kenalog shot and many painful sites cleared up and stopped itching, including my scalp. Yet my wrap around torso rash and itching did not improve. I saw a new dermatologist who took one look and told me I had Grover's. My point is this- perhaps your scalp is not related to the Grover's. Have you had allergic Patch Testing by an allergist? With the information from my testing I replaced my shampoo and conditioners with a product free of the perfumes and preservatives which I am allergic to (VMV Clark wash for hair and body which I order online from VMV). Medicare paid for the testing, it is uncomfortable, but winter is a good time to do it since you can't sweat or get the sites wet for 5 days. You must be off antihistamines. A series of panels is stuck on your upper back, I had 78 sites and reacted to only 5, but that has turned my world upside down, but it has also saved my life. I am sure you know more about Grover's then I do and have probably tried everything I have since you have had it for so long, so can't offer much helpful advice other then pointing out that you shouldn't assume your scalp itch is tied into the Grover's. Yet I had the Patch Testing 3 months before my Grover's rashes started appearing (I had been in the hospital for 5 days) so not sure how they handle a patch test if you have a rash on your back, maybe they could do the panels on your thigh?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mt (Ottawa) on 10/24/2016
Read the Book, Your Own Perfect Medicine: The Incredible Proven Natural Miracle Cure that Medical Science Has Never Revealed by Martha Christy.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 10/22/2016
Margie, I find that Coconut Oil reduces itching of any cause.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Magnolia16 (Virginia) on 10/22/2016
Margie, I don't know what Grover's disease is, but it sounds most aggravating - nothing like an intense itch to drive you insane! It also sounds like you've been under a lot of stress and trying to cope in a new situation. I wish I could give some good advice, but all I have to offer is friendship and empathy!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Margie (Frederick, Md.) on 10/19/2016
I have been battling Grover's disease for 16 years. At first the only help I got was from injections of kenelog and prednisone once a day for about 16 months. It settled down after that and I could control the flair-ups with a prescription cortizone cream. My husband passed away and my whole life has changed. Went from lovely country home in Tennessee to condo in Maryland to be near son whom I seldom see. Last week I had a flair up of Grover's like in the beginning and once the prednisone was finished it started all over again. I am desperately in need of help. The itch is like being in a red ant hill and it is even in my scalp. I am 67 and while my life is not at all like I would like it, the Grover's is about to drive me over the edge.
Water
Posted by Hedy (Delray Beach) on 10/08/2016
★★★★★
Grover's Disease - Hydration!
Drink much more water and keep hydrated the itchy areas until the inner hydration kicks in. I was diagnosed, tried everything and end up with this simple recipe. Now if a papule pops up, "Geez not enough water?" And grab a glass or two or three. Basically until it is gone.
At first, give it a few days and the 15 to 30 minutes. I think we become more susceptible to contaminants, processed food, pills, and they all increase our water (and fruits and veggie) demand.
Salt Baths
Posted by Linda Foster (Long Beach) on 10/06/2016
I was just recently diagnosed with grovers disease and will be going back to the doctor. I have been searching the websites to find out of it can be transferred to someone else as I care for two grandchildren. If you can help me with this one question I would be thankful.
Diaper Rash Cream
Posted by Donald (Springfield, Ill) on 09/10/2016
★★★★★
Grover's Disease. I had this for years and steroid creams prescribed by my Dr. did not work. I started coating my chest and back with diaper rash creme before any activity that would result in intense sweating and it has cured it. I still have scars from previous outbreaks but at least they no longer itch of bleed.
Vitamin A
Posted by Mike (California, Md) on 07/19/2016
In Natalie's (from Lakeland, FL) post she said she took "50,000 IU of Vitamin A for one week and 100,000 IU of Vitamin A for one week"... Did she mean 50,000 IU per day for one week and 100,000 IU for one week?
Vitamin D3
Posted by Marge (Apple Valley, Mn) on 06/26/2016
I was diagnosed with Grover's by biopsy in Dec 2015. Symptoms began in 2013. I had itchy red spots on lower legs. In mid 2015 I started to feel itchy but I could ignore it. In the fall I figured it was allergies. It progressed in the winter which was when I had the biopsy. I was also very stressed. I took benadryl every day from Late Dec thru April. I decided that was not good for me.
I continue putting emollient creams on my skin, I eat healthy, I don't drink alcohol, I take vitamins, during the past week I increased vit d from 1000 iu to 3000. My scalp, arms, legs, back, face, stomach, are all affected. It seems worse before seeing the red dots. The itchiness is always with me. I've tried cortisone creams, neosporine, vicks, etc. I get most relief when putting on rich Eucerine cream then by adding Alocane. Still itchy but tolerable!! I also stay in AC. Heat and sweating make it worse! It's hard to work out during summer months. I am able to walk indoors with AC most of the time. Any other tips? I wish it would go away.
Salt Baths
Posted by Jack (North Platte Ne ) on 06/25/2016
★★★★★
For grovers disease:
Take salt baths, I use salt, baking soda, and borax. For small flare ups, I make a sea salt solution until it won't dissolve any more salt and apply directly to the outbreaks. This has rescued me.
Vitamin A
Posted by Michele (Texas) on 06/19/2016
Can you PLEASE share the name of the dermatologist friend you mentioned in Manhattan? Thank you.
Garlic, Grape Seed Extract
Posted by Gardeningjunkie (Ozark's In Mo) on 06/15/2016
Andi- The following px worked for me (note I am allergic to hydrocortisone among other allergies, I have allergic contact dermatitis, so unless you have been patch tested beware of what you put on your skin). I had 7 month rash that was on torso and abdomen biopsied for Grover's and came back negative, yet doctor told me I still had it because biopsy is only positive in the active stages and my pustules were scabbed over. She said I fit the classic profile and only sees 1 new case a year. Previously had been given topical steroids to put on it by other dermatologists which did nothing but make it worse. This doc prescribed a topical antibiotic- Clindamycin 1% clear lotion and in 3 days dramatic improvement in appearance and significant reduction in itching and pain (could not even lean back in a chair or while driving it hurt so much). In 2 weeks rash almost completely gone but told to use lotion 1 full month, then stopped treatment after the 1 month and rash started to reappear after 2 days (also worked in garden in heat). Now told I may need to stay on this antibiotic indefinitely, told it is ok because not much is absorbed internally.
I gave up all alcohol (2 vodka's and 2 red wine's daily) in February, desperate to try anything, but it made no difference in my rash; still will not drink again because at 66 need to give my body every chance I can to stay healthy.
Has anyone used antibiotic lotions for this rash?
Vitamin A
Posted by Natalie (Lakeland, Fl) on 06/06/2016
★★★★★
I suffered for over a year with my first breakout of Grover's Disease, I had a biopsy in my home town at a well-respected clinic, and the verdict was...allergies to bug bites. Seriously, I live in Florida. It just seemed like a throw-away, catch-all diagnosis. Luckily, I am friends with a renowned dermatologist in Manhattan, and he did four biopsies (too much room for error on just the previous one) and diagnosed Grover's. The itching was truly maddening, and I was embarrassed by all of the red bumps on my chest. He told me to take 50,000 IU of vitamin A for one week, and then 100,000 IU for another week. That did it, it was gone! I got sunburned at the beach the other day and it came back. I started my vitamin A this morning. I couldn't believe how easy it was before, and I am sure that this will do the trick again!
Ice
Posted by Kjb (Florida Keys) on 06/04/2016
★★★★★
I would dampen a wash cloth, put it in a plastic zip lock bag then the freezer. It was the only way to fall asleep.
Zinc Oxide
Posted by Tb (Pennsylvania) on 05/24/2016
★★★★★
I am a 36-year-old woman and was diagnosed with Grover's Disease after seeing 5 different doctors and having two biopsies. It began at the end of December and it's now the end of May and I'm just now healing completely.
When I saw the dermatologist who finally diagnosed me, I was at the end of my rope. The rash was all over my back, neck, and chest, and speckled on my hips, legs, arms--well, it was pretty much everywhere. It was burning and itching and I just wanted to peel my skin off. When the biopsy came back, I was so happy to have an answer but disheartened to know that there is no real cure. The doctor told me to take 10,000 iu of vitamin A and a vitamin E capsule every day, to keep the rash well hydrated with cetaphil cream, and to see him in 6 weeks.
Initially, this regimen did help a bit, as the itching went away almost instantaneously. However, after the bumps remained so I began to research other treatments and found the boards here at Earth Clinic to be the most helpful. I began taking many supplements in addition to the A and E, including garlic pills, copper, zinc, D, and a probiotic. I also began drinking bentonite clay and eating a lot of cilantro to do a heavy metal cleanse. During the time, I've been off of gluten and alcohol as well. At night, I would break open 3-4 vitamin A capsules and mix them with vitamin E oil I got at the pharmacy, and cover my rash in it. In areas that were prone to sweat, like my chest and neck, I would put a medicated powder that contained zinc.
The rash was improving, but very slowly. I had to stop taking the zinc tablets because I kept throwing them up when they interacted with the copper. My face began to break out terribly, and I realized that I was probably just putting too many supplements in my body, so I decided to strip it down to the bare minimum: A, E, and garlic, along with the clay and cilantro.
The rash was still there, but slowly improving. I discovered by accident that the zinc was the thing that was helping. On Mother's Day, I wanted to wear a dress but my back was covered in red spots, so I decided to try covering it up with a thick makeup I have: Dr. Jart Dis-A-Pore. It covered beautifully and I had the confidence to go out in public without worrying that people were staring at my back and shoulders, even though the texture was still very bumpy. I left it on for a couple of days and when I finally washed it off, I realized that many of the bumps had healed completely. I looked at the ingredients of the makeup, and Zinc Oxide was one them, which got me to thinking...
I went to Costco and bought two double packs of Honest Company's Mineral Sunscreen, which is 19% zinc oxide and have been covering my body in it since Saturday. Today is Tuesday, and I am happy to say that the bumps on my back are pretty much non-existent now and all the others are healing up very quickly. I also added the zinc supplements back into my diet, but am sure to take them on a full stomach with no copper. I have still been taking the clay and cilantro as well, but I really feel like the zinc was the thing that made the biggest difference. The results were dramatic, and practically came overnight.
Again, yes, I have tried many different supplements and therapies, but I honest to God feel zinc is the thing making the most difference. This whole experience has been such a nightmare, I wanted to share my findings here in case I could help one other person avoid the suffering I went through. I'm looking forward to seeing my dermatologist soon and reporting my findings and I can only hope that he takes me seriously enough to help his other patients.
Vitamin D3
Posted by Donald (Usa) on 05/22/2016
★★★★★
Have experienced a continual outbreaks of this disease for three years. Doctors first treated the condition with hydrocortisone cream 2.5% it cleared in some areas but not for long. Extreme itch and out break developed and I began using betamethasone dipropionate cream 0.05% (augmented). I began using vit.D3 one pill @ 2000 IUs daily and have cleared completely, cheers too Timothy from across the pond. Eternally grateful Don.
Garlic, Grape Seed Extract
Posted by Andi (Fl) on 05/13/2016
I have been diagnosed with GD from a biopsy. I have tried cortisone cream, coconut oil, baby powder, cetaphil lotion. Nothing works. I work out daily, so sweating is not going to stop. Interestingly enough, after reading all of your posts, I, too, drink red wine. Hmmmmmm. Going to try and stop for a week and see if anything gets better. I'm a healthy female in my 40's. Not itchy, just ugly and annoying! Help!
Terrasil, Corn Starch
Posted by Buzz (Arlington Tx) on 04/16/2016
★★★★★
So far the best thing I have found to work with Grovers is to put terrasil on it, then rub in corn starch.
Garlic, Grape Seed Extract
Posted by Kathy (Ga) on 04/13/2016
I've had this over a year and I do believe it's grape seed oil extract. It's very good for skin. I'm at the point I believe red wine is my trigger. Will stop a while and see. Just had a bad flare.
Vitamin D3
Posted by Art (California ) on 04/12/2016 2326 posts
Jerry from Dania Beach, Fl.,
Did you really mean "4,000 mg" or did you mean 4,000 iu?
The 4,000 mg dose is likely to cause health problems with continued use.
Art
