Grover's Disease: What works to help find relief?
I have been diagnosed with Grover's disease under my breasts. I had a biopsy for diagnosis. Tried topical ointment with no really good results. Any ideas?
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That’s awesome. What did you reduce your cilantro intake to?
To begin with, I really really really hate the taste of cilantro so I never used more than a fourth of a bunch including stems, except in the very beginning when I used a half bunch. I mask it with so much fruit: banana, frozen blueberries, peaches or strawberries and then add chocolate unsweetened almond milk till the blender measures four cups with other ingredients. The colder the better for me. I eventually got accustomed to the taste and reduced amount to 1/6 of a bunch. Then I missed a few days here and there. Then I missed almost a week and when I returned to the cilantro I almost gagged again, so staying with it is definitely acclimating my body to the taste. I may try the sweetened milk to see if it helps but I opted for the unsweetened because of the calories. I have my bottle of chlorella tabs next to my computer so I can reorder. Just haven't done it yet. Another thing I did to get rid of the Grover's in the beginning was the Whole 30 diet, which meant no sugar, dairy, grains, legumes and whatever else they deny you. That is what really worked for me. No inflammatory foods were allowed. You can go back in time to my posts. I was a fanatic about cotton only and even gave up my bra in lieu of undershirts and big tops. I was desperate, however. So many people shared their stories and encouraged me, especially gardening junkie. I freeze the cilantro in single servings. It has been a year since my initial outbreak and I will never EVER forget my misery. Good luck to you. Find a taste blend that works for you and stick with it, and go the cotton route. The whole 30 route was brutal but I adapted and I pretty much stick to most of it now. Unfortunately, sometimes I go crazy for chocolate. In addition, I cover the area with the thick vanicream twice a day.
Now that you said you don’t like the flavor of cilantro I remember your older posts. My daughter can’t even stand the smell of it. For now I’m going to stick to just a little. And not everyday. I acquired a taste for it in salsa from a favorite Mexican restaurant. But, those were the fun days of eating. Now it’s mostly gluten free, (even though I don’t have an issue with just by choice) very little dairy, no sugar unless in the very little amount of fruit I eat like blueberries and an occasional splurge. Found sticking to anti inflammatory foods is best overall. No alcohol, preservatives, nitrites, lots of water and as much organic as I can get. Sometimes is gets really boring but boring is better than the itchies or seeing a grover. The healthier diet helps with the eczema on my scalp too. I think I’m just venting now sorry 🙄 lol I gave up the bra too. If I go out it comes off immediately once I’m home. I’ve figured out a few quirks on my own but this site has brought much hope and education.
Thank you for all of this good advice. I’m trying to find cilantro to make smoothies. I also don’t care for the taste but will mask with fruits. With this COVID pandemic finding certain items is difficult but looking forward to getting relief from these itchy painful outbreaks and rash. I’ve tried calamine, aloe Vera, Sarna, prescription steroid creams, Vick’s, frozen tea bags. My diet is not great so may have to modify.
Keep the tips coming.
It turns out that there is a certain segment of the population who genetically cannot stand the smell or taste of cilantro. I'm. not making that up: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/09/14/161057954/love-to-hate-cilantro-its-in-your-genes-and-maybe-in-your-head If so, don't despair. It looks like chlorella alone seems to be an excellent heavy metal detox. I wish cilantro was working for me, but it hasn't done a thing. I should be getting chlorella later this week. Fingers crossed. I also gave up my bra. For some reason, I am currently itching way more than usual, although my rash has subsided considerably. Feels like I'm being punished for some very serious misdeeds.
I am one of those that have an aversion to cilantro. But I LOVE the fact it helped me get rid of the Grover's over a period of two months. I would happily choke it down again if it ever comes back.
Freedom from nitrates helped me minimize itching.
How long have you been off cilantro?
I stopped using my smoothies at the end of November last year. I initially stopped ALL medication and "treatments" including the cilantro about two weeks prior to my visit to the Mayo Clinic on Dec 3rd. I wanted them to assess things without having anything in my system. As it turned out the Grover's papules and severe itching never came back and there was NO sign of grovers in the two biopsies I had done there. I do still have chronic hives and urticaria which came at exactly the same time my GD appeared. Super weird. But it is FAR less bothersome than the GD.
Great update!