My usual dermatologist told me to use cortisone lotion, blowing off the symptoms as an allergy to the Shingrix vaccine. This did not work and things spread down my legs and arms from my torso. Fortunately, the week I decided to have a serious discussion with him, he was unavailable and I met with another doctor in the group. She looked at me and in minutes determined I had Grovers, not an allergy.

The protocol she put me on is a body wash, Selenium Sulfide Topical Suspension 2.5% to use daily in the shower, and a lotion, Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream 0.1%, to be applied daily as needed to the "hot spots". At that point, I was hot all over, pretty much, so I was going through the meds quickly.

As things have gone along, I have added collagen complex (Type I, II, III, IV, V and X, 1000 mg/day) and selenium (200mcg/day) to the multiple vitamins and supplements I already take. They can't hurt me in those doses and the problem is inside the body, so why not attack from both sides?

I have found some relief also through antihistamine allergy medicine and a gram of acetaminophen (Tylenol) taken at the same time. Tylenol does not thin the blood or reduce its tendency to clot, so I prefer that.

I would also take a look at the thread on this site that links Grovers and the Shingrix shingles vaccine. I did that on a whim on an internet search and found that there is a group of people who anecdotally have had my experience in acquiring the disease. I guess it was wise getting the shot if it prevents shingles, although Grovers, as you know, can be damned uncomfortable. Some people there find relief by making a smoothie with a bunch of fresh cilantro, in addition to whatever else you put in. I have not read everything there so I dunno why cilantro has a positive effect but some there say it suppresses symptoms for most of a week, a few months and one close to a year. Obviously, I will have to try it.

The regimen I am on usually gives me 12-14 hours of peace and then I sleep. I am much better off for it, but Grovers is a daily presence. Today was a good one. Others not so good. Sleep is usually unaffected, but that is not a sure bet. Sometimes I don't have much itch but I feel wrong, tired and snippy, without anything else to explain it.

I hope this is useful. Hang in there.
Best,
George

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