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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Lidocaine and Benedral did nothing for me.
Will do. I did read Painted House years ago. Wonderful writer.
I used extra strength Bengay. It worked to numb the itching. It burned “so good”. It would work for several hours at a time. It has menthol and camphor. I had to apply to my entire torso and I could taste it in my mouth within minutes of applying, so that was concerning.
I think there’s a connection between sweat and temperature and GD breakouts. I live in Florida and had been in remission when the pandemic started. To save my sanity I began working in my yard. I was fine from March till July. That’s when we got the summer humidity and within a month it came back bc I was sweating profusely while working in my yard. I’m again starting to work in my yard without the sweat pouring out of me because the humidity has fallen. I definitely think there’s a connection to my breakout.
Sincerely,
Linda Beattie
P.S. I sent you a private message early this evening too.
I definitely agree with the sweating as a trigger. I have learned that when I do sweat if possible to quickly clean, rinse with cool water, pat dry and moisturize. It’s weird because sometimes I have sweated and then could not clean up after and no problem. I just never know exactly how my skin is going to react. Internally and externally. Sometimes when I know I’m going to sweat I’ll apply gold bond powder beforehand not my favorite but sometimes helps. Some people use creams with zinc oxide as a moisture barrier but I have found they are thick and hard to clean off and I don’t like to scrub my sensitive skin. I’m in California so sweating is an issue. Can’t wait til it cools off here. Although, Grover’s still exist for me even in cooler weather 😡
I use Tiger Balm Neck and Shoulder Rub after a really hot shower. It generally has the same effect.
I just replied to your private message. I didn't even know this site had a private message application, good to know. Glad you found this site for GD info. Also Facebook is reported to have an excellent GD site, which I don't follow as right now I have no need to search for more info. As I mentioned in my message start reading this blog post from Feb 2019 forward. Feb 27 was my breakthrough when kimass1 posted info she read about cilantro. Kimass1 is my guardian angel who has given me my normal life back.
hope4cure- Like you I truly didn't have a correlation with temperature as to when I would get a GD recurrence. With GD the collagen connecting our skin cells is compromised and our skin doesn't work at being a barrier. Sweat stings when GD is active so if broken out in the summer we are even more miserable. We know sweat hurts us when active and it makes sense to avoid it. Even when GD is inactive, our skin is still compromised and not heathy like it used to be and I try to avoid the hottest times of the day if I have a choice and like most of us shower immediately after sweating. I do like what one blogger recommended, splashing with Witch Hazel on the areas we get GD. I am clear now but still splash on WH all over front and back torso after a light toweling off after the shower. If broken out it does sting, but now it feels refreshing. It is anti-bacterial and inexpensive. Good that I bought many bottles before covid. I noticed the WM shelves are empty of WH, perhaps it is used in hand sanitizer or the manufacturer is shut down.
Hi @linnie61, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Glad you could join in on the topic of Grover's Disease. One of Mayo Clinic's Dermatologist agrees with you about the sweat component. I thought you would like to see the answer he provided for a patient.
Treatment for Grover's - https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/treatment-for-grovers-disease-geared-toward-relieving-itching-and-rash/
Have you always lived in Florida? I did a little research and it did say that the disease can be exacerbated by high heat temperatures.
Has anyone had success taking collagen supplements or other supplements to help heal the skin?