Grover's Disease: What works to help find relief?

Thanks so much for offering your insights, @solroczile7. Sharing experiences, offering support and learning from one other – that's Connect in action!
You mentioned "use rice vinegar." Could you explain a little more about that?

I have been dealing with eczema for 18 years now, having my first case of hand eczema at age 50. Now I know I have 3 specific types of eczema, but that took years to get figured out and my self education helping direct my doctors saved my life, literally. My pain and misery was great. mM sleepless nights were spent trying to figure out the cleanest and most painless way to kill myself and not trouble my husband with cleanup.
As most derms just call it eczema and want to treat all symptoms with steroids which in my case is wrong because out of the 5 classes of steroids my 5 Day Extended Patch Test showed I am allergic to one class which also has a cross over to 2 other classes so for years the steroid treatments I was told to use were actually part of the problem. I have had Grover's for 3 years now but can't use many suggested treatments like cortisone, I'm allergic, or some of the topicals because I also have Allergic Contact Dermatitis, ACD. What has helped to stall the severe break out is Calcipotriene Cream or Ointment. For itch relief the best I have found that is also free of my allergens, plus trying many the only one that has ever helped is Flanax Liniment, it is capsaicin (hot pepper). My derm recommended I try after research testing recently that validated success with capsaicin giving itch relief, Google it. Sounds scary? When applied you will feel a medium burning sensation which ironically is a relief from the itching and pain. Then in a few minutes, perhaps 5, you will get relief from at least 50%of pain and itching for about 30-45 minutes which gives me enough time to fall asleep on my side, the only area free of pain on torso. I've learned to move in my sleep. I use a long handled spoon to apply treatments to middle of back you also can use vinyl gloves or plastic gloves (I am allergic to all other materials in protective gloves). Do not touch this cream with your hands, use a Q-tip to remove from container. Do not allow to touch your hands because you might rub your eyes or mouth. It doesn't rub off onto bed clothes or bedding. The bottle is small but lasts for at least 4 months, as just a tiny amount is spread around. I buy on Amazon, 2 oz bottle. Also great on insect bites.
My first breakout was 1 year and a doozy, as I couldn't even lean back while driving a car because any pressure on my back was so painful, the second was 6 months almost as painful and my recent one for 6 ended a month ago. My last breakout was less severe by 50% perhaps because of personal disciple. I have disciplined myself to come inside by noon as heat and sweat are 2 major triggers. Friction from off roading in a bouncing vehicle or bouncing in a boat is also an trigger. If I do break my rule about coming inside when the heat hits, I try to give myself a few days off from heat, sweating or friction, this will calm the pustules, which even when dormant can still be felt with a slight pressure with my hands. Changing my lifestyle is a daily challenge as 90% of my retirement activities involve the outdoors, but my new realistic goal is to live as pain free as possible. I have joined a bookclub and and considering making a quilt but my soul yearns for the outdoors. Like many with Grover's, I met basically every one of the conditions that we seem to have in common, except being male. Most of us have spent too much time in the sun. A hospitalization for a week requiring bed rest at home for about 2-3 weeds about the time I developed Grover's I also have a form of leukemia or lymphoma, mine Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, CLL, (not my reason for week in hospital) which was diagnosed 18 years ago and has never slowed me down one day!!! Yet I still plan to stain the deck rails today and feel great and will take advantage of this moment.

Hello, I was just diagnosed with Grover's disease for a patch under my breast. Initially, I was very concerned because I received an abnormal mammo in the same breast that I am still being monitored. I could not figure out what the red sore/patch was. It started at the end of May after a visit for my mammo and u/s where there was a lot of tugging, etc. It was not a rash but more like a red spot that would not heal. I recall it would sting and hurt under the skin. It seems the pain would even go right into my side. I tried Gold Bond powder which seemed to help dry but again, would eventually crack and sting. Also, tried Mupirocin ointment prescribed by another doc before I eventually went to Derm. It didn't help. Apple cider vinegar didn't help. Eventually, I headed to the Derm and she did a punch biopsy last Monday. Needless to say, I was scared it was related to my breast but relieved to know it is not. I am 53 and in decent health. I have Hashi's Hypothyroid disease but otherwise, in good shape. Due to partial hyste in 2012, I do not know if I have started menopause. Last hormone levels check a year ago showed that I had the hormones of a young woman. Autoimmune disorders run in my family. My mother died of Scleroderma at 59 and was ill for most of her life with RA, lupus, among others. My father is in overall, good health and still going at 85. Skin cancer does not run in our family. I had a bad case of mono at 30 and believe I may have fibromyalgia. Each time I get stressed out or do not exercise for periods of time, I get a terrible flare. I have one right now due to the emotional stress I have been under. My neck, shoulders, ribcage hurts! Please let me know if you have tips. The punch biopsy removed all of the sore so I am hoping that I do not get another one. I have not spoken with the Derm, yet --- just received results over phone.

@gteach I was just diagnosed this summer. I’m 46 and no health issues/medications. Started with a patch between my breasts that may have been there for a while hat I attributed to sweat/irritation from heat and working out. Then we had a hot and humid few days in June, and I had a severe break out across my chest and upper abdomen. I thought I had shingles it was so painful and itchy. I tried every OTC I could find. I finally called the dermatologist. He diagnosed me with Grover’s. He treated me with mometasone furoate 0.1%. It cleared up in about 2 weeks! I do use gold bond spray around my bra area especially if I’m going to workout. I don’t know if it helps or not but it hasn’t come back. Good luck and hope it clears up fast!!

@gteach- thanks for mentioning the corticosteroid mometasone furoate.1% because that is a Class D1 corticosteroid, which is safe for me and which I haven't tried. Like others my little red bumps which were itchy and worst of all painful were considered heat rash by doctors and even though it took me years to get a correct diagnosis it really didn't matter because nothing I have found works like the mometasone furoate did for you. My outbreaks seem to need to run their course. Yet going on year 3 now only last about 6 months per breakout, I already mentioned the Calcipotriene which seem to stall the advanced symptoms. Best thing for me is to avoid the triggers. Yet will consider the mometasone furoate in the future, as right now my symptoms went away a month ago. No pain or itch, yet I can still feel small under skin bumps on my back torso which evidently are a part of Grover's because of our cellular change. I know these bumps are just waiting to flare again and try to limit my outdoor heat, sweat and friction. It will be interesting to know how long your remission lasts after using the corticosteroid.

@kg7382 @gardeningjunkie - Thank you so much! I thought I would receive notifications when I get posts but didn't. I am so happy that I checked back today. Now, I feel more "normal" ---:) as throughout my reading, I keep finding that this is related middle-aged men! The next important symptom that you mention which many articles do not and had me a bit scared is: pain! It seemed after this little red blotch appeared under my breast, I felt pain under the skin, almost like how shingles must feel and around (rib cage). Mine was located in the fold under my breast and almost more so upper abdomen (as the derm cited). I couldn't understand why this pain was there and of course, with the recent tiny calcifications in the ducts on my mammo, was beyond scared. When I visited the breast specialist this week, she assured me that they were not related. I am happy to know that the pain may have been associated with this little spot. It seems the punch biopsy (I have two sutures right now) removed the lesion. Of course, now I am a bit sore and pinchy in another way due to the biopsy! I hope it does not return but glad I can visit here to gain insight. One additional note: I recall late May, early June when this first appeared. I had performed some heavy duty gardening and became very hot. The fact this is located under my breast, even though I am not busty) makes sense that it would retain heat and sweat. Thank you all so much. I was filled with anxiety and I am sure that stress does not help anything.

One quick note, all. I have worn underwire bras for years. I recently read of women who experienced a weird rash from Victoria's Secret bras. I stopped wearing their bras, mainly because of the strong odor that arrives with their material but also worried the underwire would aggravate the condition. Have any women here changed their bras? Sorry for the double post; I should have edited which I will do in the future.

What most Grover's ladies do is remove the bra as soon as possible at home and some just go braless in public if they can get away with it. I have found 100% cotton without the wrinkle free chemical process or stainguard chemicals or 100% polyester camp style shirts which are safe for me, those with 2 pockets over the breast do a fine job of covering the bralessness, but I am small busted. Also with Grover's either find some soft cotton loose fitting Hawaiian style Mu Mu's, grandma style housedresses. They are simple to sew your own as I first tried to order online the fabric was too coarse for my sensitive skin. The gathering of this style house dress allows me to go bra free without anyone noticing. The looser your clothing is the better. My image will become secondary to desire to live pain free. . Grover's is triggered by heat, sweat and friction/pressure. For a light cotton which is safe for me I order from The White Cotton Gown my nighties. 100% cotton, well made and airy, but they hold up for years. I'd had mine for 3 years and still no sign of wear. At the end of the day I love to put this nighty on even the lace is 100% cotton. I also have Allergic Contact Dermatitis and am allergic to elastics, spandex and blended fibers. Even my bras are 100% cotton with drawstring closures. If you are large busted this would be a problem. There are also 100% cotton panties sold at Cottonique, on line, with the drawstring closure. The main thing is now no pressure, so no tight elastic around your waist, torso and definitely no underwires. Grover's normally is located in front and back torso and has gotten as low as my waist in the back. This may sound shocking, but my gynecologist told me years ago to give up all panties as they trap heat and will breed yeast, an ongoing issue I have for a decade. I often wear a 100% cotton long slip under the mu mu's at home without the panties and yes my yeast issues have been minimal if at all. Yet I have also eliminated my diet which was rich in the fruit that breed yeast, so sad, but now eat safe fruit only. Also you mentioned Victoria Secret. First none of their fibers are safe for me, let alone the chemicals they add to their clothing. Also the underwire pressure will trigger your Grover's. Hang loose sister! I know Facebook has a Grover's site, but I don't have time for Facebook, but you would learn more from others.

@gardeningjunkie ...those sites you mentioned for the white cotton is a huge help. Since my last outbreak of so called Grovers, my drs at mayo suggested wet wraps over my prescription creams. They said all cotton in white, like long John's or similar. I cant find anything that comes close. So I've used my husband's tea shirt, but haven't found bottoms. I'll surely look into the sites you mentioned.
So far, rashes are gone...just a few little red itchy ones pop up. Couple on my legs..that look like tiny blisters that watery fluid comes out if I nag it. Haven't had to use anything or take any meds...so far.
Glad I saw your post...stay well!

Normally Grover's doesn't manifest on legs. It is normally limited to torso but some cases have it extend to neck and down the upper arm. I looked at your profile and didn't learn if you have other forms of eczema. I have 3 different forms of eczema, Grover's is just one form. Have you been tested for Allergic Contact Dermatitis, ACD? Forgive me if I have already asked this. Your leg papules may be a form different than Grover's. ACD is related to allergic contacts like metals, dyes, preservatives, rubber elements and so on. Yet, your water filled blisters have me baffled, but for sure there is a reason. Could be related to none of the above. I did see on your profile an interest in blood cancers. I have or hopefully had leukemia, my chronic form, Adult Leukemia, CLL, after watching blood counts for 15 years it just started disappearing on it's own about 3-4 years ago. One of the 5 or 6 commonalities in Grover's is blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma. I am wondering if your doctors want you to wear white cotton because it is dye free? The Cottonique clothing is not white, but the natural color, an off white, never dyed. The White Cotton Gown is bleached, but has never bothered my skin. I think they sell pj's, but I don't like the feel of anything around my waist when I sleep. A white t-shirt is a great substitute as a nightgown just make sure it is 100% cotton. I think Stafford from JC Penny's makes the softest and strongest.