I wanted to update you guys on something. Today, I received a call from my dermatologist, as he knows how frustrated I’ve become with my lack of progress with my GD. It’s actually gotten much worse within the last few days (and this is with applying zinc oxide to help with the heat). The spots were previously confined to just my chest and stomach, but has now started to spread to my clavicles and is slowly starting to work its way to the sides of my neck. It’s almost like me “talking” about it and experimenting with other treatments (e.g. cilantro and zinc oxide) did more harm than good, although I'm sure it's probably just the ridiculous Phoenix heat). It has also spread to my ribs/flanks, which were areas that were relatively clean until just a few days ago.

Anyway, my original dermatologist, who previously prescribed acitretin and calcipotriene called me today (a strange coincidence). Probably because I never followed-up with him at the beginning of June. He told me about another treatment option based on a recent study that he read that involved injections of Dupixent (Dupilumad). For those unfamiliar, it’s a monoclonal antibody, which is often used in the treatment of eczema, as well as various other things such as asthma in children age six and above. A recent study was done in January 2021 where they tested five patients that had persistent GD and had exhausted all topical and oral medication options. All five patients were cleared of their GD as the result of the injections, which are taken every two weeks. He feels that this is a much more hopeful treatment plan as opposed to prescribing more medications - which he knows I no longer want to take.

I received two injections today (one in each side of my stomach). I will return in two weeks for two additional injections and then, provided insurance clears it, will be able to do it myself from home.

No blood monitoring will be needed and he told me it’s a much safer option than the steroids or retinoids that are commonly prescribed. He did warn me that 15% of people experience this eye issue that causes redness (I forget the medical term) He said if this happens, to contact them and some eye drops can be prescribed.

Not a lot of research has been done on using Dupixent for Grover’s with the exception of this one study. I have linked it below, but I think it’s only available on a pay site.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2775572
I’m trying to stay positive, but at this point, I’ve become so frustrated that I’m willing to try anything. I will continue taking calci to combat itching, but will probably just use gold bond when this is depleted since it’s much cheaper since the calci tubes are 30 dollars with my insurance and don’t last very long given how much area I’m now having to cover.

Anyway, I will keep you guys updated on if the Dupixent results in any improvement.