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Jackson (Tennessee) on 01/07/2014
4 out of 5 stars

I have Grover Skin rash and just went to the doctor yesterday, she saw that I was really flared up on my chest and stomach area. I have really struggled with this disease. I have the prescription creams and they only seem to keep it at bay. However she recommended to me to try the Virgin Coconut oil, after every shower. I am on day three of this and I know its a little early but it seems to be really helping with the itching, Also the redness is starting to go away.

Replied By Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 01/08/2014

Hello Jackson,

I've had success with rashes using enzymes and sometimes herbs such as marshmallow root and papaya leaf. The enzyme best suited for therapeutic use are ones such as amylase, protease, lipase, pectinase, cellulose.

That combination helps with pH levels for me. Often I have acidic body issues and if baking soda in water isn't enough I've found the pH balancing can be done with an enzyme/ herb combo. And it doesn't seem to take much of such a formula. You can find pH enzyme formulas at health food stores. I found supplementing with enzymes helps with my"dry eye" problem but seems to help rashes and itching which is the Grover's itching you are having.

My point is this: On itching issues, could there be a base deficiency of enzymes? Not that this would be the cause in all cases. I doubt if itching caused by "ringworm" could be helped by enzymes. But I've just seen the enzyme connect play out enough so that I'm becoming really intrigued at the interplay of enzyme activity overall to proper body functioning.

Another, for instance; when I take my enzyme pill I notice I have less sinus congestion. Could the chronic congestion be related to a metabolic / digestive problem that enzymes help overcome? I use a pH balance product from Enzymedica but am sure other companies make a "pH balance" formula also.

Replied By Lisa (Atlanta, Georgia) on 02/03/2014

I too have been diagnosed with Grover's Disease. The prescription medicines don't do a thing. I have been using Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil as a moisturizer for about a week. I have also been ingesting about a teaspoon daily along with taking Borage Oil. Although the rash is still there and going strong, the itching is definitely better and my skin is getting softer and softer.

Eating it is not the most pleasant thing, but it does go own quickly. If you want you can freeze small pieces and just take like a pill.

I found another plus to the coconut oil...it increases my energy and somehow acts as a diet aid. I have lost 3 pounds in one week!

Good luck to all! Lisa

Replied By Key West Lu (Key West) on 04/17/2014

I have also been diagnosed with Grovers (over 15 years and counting). I am in the middle of a horrendous flare up and have been told to go on drugs that are really scary. This morning I was so inflamed that I got ice packs and put them on the worst areas. OMG! This was awesome. The blisters have almost disappeared and I am no longer itching uncontrollably. And the best part is that other parts of my body where I didn't put the ice packs have calmed down. I am not cured but I am not so out of control that I'm miserable. (I've had several emotional breakdowns this week due to the uncontrollable itching) I have been doing some crazy stuff to try to stay off the drugs. I have bathed using a solution of olive oil and sea salt (stings like crazy), then put on hydrogen peroxide (I was told today that this was bad b/c HP breaks down skin but it seems to be working for me), and then used triamcinolone cream and topped with coconut oil. But the life saving thing was the ice packs on the areas that were so out of control. I live in south Florida so I am also laying out in the sun for 15 minutes on each side every day.

Replied By Patty (Santa Fe) on 01/13/2021
You are doing too much!!! Apparently do not have a really good dermatologist either -

Laying in sun is the worst thing you can do!

Heat, sweating, hot tubs, all cause grovers or cause eruptions so stop now!!! Coconut oil is great - have heard that a 20 minute past of turmeric and olive oil - then wash off with cold water is good - I also use a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to i cup cool to cold water several times a day gently slosh on broken out areas..

Find a good dermatologist - do not use prescription drugs unless you absolutely must and then get a prescription from a good - that is g o o d dermatologist and use as directed - if any side effects occur - immediately stop using..

Replied By Patty (New Mexico) on 01/13/2021
Also drop the sea salt and hydrogen peroxide which is very drying - who in gods name have you been talking to?

Your mantra is moisturize, moisturize, moisturize - no heat or heat lamps, or hot tubs, or heat pads, or sun - no sun - no sun - no sun - sweating and all these things cause the frigging rash!!!.

Replied By Lauren (Colorado) on 08/25/2021
Patty;

Your comment was one of the most recent I could locate on this thread. I was diagnosed about a month or so ago; have been in flare up about 4 months now. I tried the predisone route; no change. I am trying to clean up my diet and use natural products. Nothing is working. I am worse. I am in pain. The burning and itching is taking over my life. Do you have any suggestions? What has worked for you?

Replied By Teena (Victoria) on 08/27/2021
The folks at EC found years ago that cilantro is the remedy for grovers. Take some every day. We couldn't work out if it was detoxing heavy metals that cause the skin condition, as cilantro is an excellent chelator, or the large amounts of vitamin A that are within. But it works. Take cilantro internally daily, take a clean bunch, cover with boiling water, cover to keep the therapeutic steam and oils. Steep twenty minutes. If you don't like the taste take capsules 🌱

Replied By Linda (Cocoa, Florida) on 11/14/2014

Hi I was diagnosed today and am overwhelmed! I had this since July and finally at Shands in Gainesville I got diagnosed I have used the coconut oil with no relief. I see you are laying in the sun a few minutes a day and it doesn't bother you.

Replied By Larry (Baton Rouge) on 01/10/2015

I have had the condition for 15 years. I use prescription steroid creams when flare ups get bad. Went to the BVI's last year and stayed on a catamaran for a week. Rash disappeared for a few weeks when I got back home. I asked the doctor if it was the salt water that made it better. He said it was the UV light from being in the sun so much. Does anyone know about UV light treatments? Tanning bed? Light I can buy and use at home?

Replied By Martha (Akron, Ohio) on 08/07/2015

I was diagnosed with Grover's Disease over three years ago. Flare ups have been decreasing. The interesting thing is, my doctor told me to avoid the sun and wear cotton clothing to avoid overheating and not letting my skin breathe. So....what made you decide that sun would be good? Just curious?

Replied By Stacey (Dallas) on 09/25/2015

Have had Grover's Disease off and on for close to 10 years. Steroid creams keep it at bay, but never cure. UVB light treatments at my doctor do the trick every time, usually takes abut 6 weeks, 2x per week. Laying out with exposed areas in the sun for 15-20 minutes a few times per week always helps too.

Replied By Zuzana (Cape Canaveral) on 10/07/2015

For those who wonder; some people may have good results with UV light treatments, but others may have breakouts because of it. Each individual reacts differently. I was diagnosed with GD in 2011 (six months after a surgery). The rash comes and goes away, but I believe that my worst outbreaks are caused by exposure to the sun (I have a terribly dry skin due to hypothyroidism so it doesn't help). My skin completely cleared while on vacation in Europe, but after coming back home and a few walks on the beach, I started to break out again.

Some people have had success with Terrasil.I tried it myself, but it didn't seem to do anything for me. Gluten free diet has not helped me either. Good luck!

Replied By Ron (California) on 12/25/2015

I have found many commonalities with others on this site. My first outbreak of Grover's was in the tropics. Very hot and humid. I have suffered on and off for twenty years but have had considerable success with several approaches.

First, I try to avoid wearing layers of clothing, such as sweaters and undershirts. This almost always causes an outbreak. Second, the triamcinolone cream works but I believe it also causes the skin to thin out with repeated use. This is similar to cortisone treatments. The most effective medication was tetracyline for two weeks to get the rash under control. After that, the cream, frequent cool showers and bathing soon after a workout are essential. Avoid hot showers and jacuzzis. Be careful of antibiotics. I rarely use it now, perhaps once a year for two days or so. Risk factors are always present for antibiotics.

Diet is likely a contributor as others have suggested. I will look into this more myself. My wife had a light case of psoriasis which has not returned since she switched to a largely vegetable-based diet and reduced her intake of foods that cause inflammation.

Replied By Margie (Frederick, Md.) on 10/19/2016

I have been battling Grover's disease for 16 years. At first the only help I got was from injections of kenelog and prednisone once a day for about 16 months. It settled down after that and I could control the flair-ups with a prescription cortizone cream. My husband passed away and my whole life has changed. Went from lovely country home in Tennessee to condo in Maryland to be near son whom I seldom see. Last week I had a flair up of Grover's like in the beginning and once the prednisone was finished it started all over again. I am desperately in need of help. The itch is like being in a red ant hill and it is even in my scalp. I am 67 and while my life is not at all like I would like it, the Grover's is about to drive me over the edge.

Replied By Magnolia16 (Virginia) on 10/22/2016

Margie, I don't know what Grover's disease is, but it sounds most aggravating - nothing like an intense itch to drive you insane! It also sounds like you've been under a lot of stress and trying to cope in a new situation. I wish I could give some good advice, but all I have to offer is friendship and empathy!

Replied By Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 10/22/2016

Margie, I find that Coconut Oil reduces itching of any cause.

Replied By Mt (Ottawa) on 10/24/2016

Read the Book, Your Own Perfect Medicine: The Incredible Proven Natural Miracle Cure that Medical Science Has Never Revealed by Martha Christy.

Replied By Gardeningjunkie (Mo) on 11/14/2016

Margie- Don't ever assume you only have one form of dermatitis. July 2015 at age 67 I was finally given a name for my eczema rashes and also a reason for my internal taser like stinging under my skin that was driving me out of my mind especially at night, it was Allergic Contact Dermatitis or ACD that was keeping me awake at night. I had to turn my world inside out so as not to be in contact with my Patch Test positives. I detoxed my world from my allergens and got a Kenalog shot and many painful sites cleared up and stopped itching, including my scalp. Yet my wrap around torso rash and itching did not improve. I saw a new dermatologist who took one look and told me I had Grover's. My point is this- perhaps your scalp is not related to the Grover's. Have you had allergic Patch Testing by an allergist? With the information from my testing I replaced my shampoo and conditioners with a product free of the perfumes and preservatives which I am allergic to (VMV Clark wash for hair and body which I order online from VMV). Medicare paid for the testing, it is uncomfortable, but winter is a good time to do it since you can't sweat or get the sites wet for 5 days. You must be off antihistamines. A series of panels is stuck on your upper back, I had 78 sites and reacted to only 5, but that has turned my world upside down, but it has also saved my life. I am sure you know more about Grover's then I do and have probably tried everything I have since you have had it for so long, so can't offer much helpful advice other then pointing out that you shouldn't assume your scalp itch is tied into the Grover's. Yet I had the Patch Testing 3 months before my Grover's rashes started appearing (I had been in the hospital for 5 days) so not sure how they handle a patch test if you have a rash on your back, maybe they could do the panels on your thigh?

Replied By Yvonne (Maryland) on 01/06/2017

Ice packs are great for itching. I started with Grover's last spring but wasn't diagnosed until September. Heat irriates it so I wouldn't dare lay in the sun. Sweating makes it worse as well. And scratching it makes it worse but sometimes I just have to do it. I really believe all my sunning at the beach years ago may have helped bring this on. I have tried lots of things and only go back to the steroid creams for about a week when it gets really bad. I've tried natural vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil.

Replied By Maggie (Plattsburgh, Ny) on 01/28/2017

My doctor recommended UVB lights as well. She said if I can't make it to her office (I have to take a ferry) I could go to a UVB tanning bed for no more than a minute or two once or twice a week and a regular tanning bed for no more than a minute. I haven't tried it yet.

Replied By Maggie (Plattsburgh, Ny) on 01/28/2017

My advice is do not use peroxide. I did and became inflamed with a different rash and another visit to the dermatologist. It is very harsh on the skin and I've read not even to put it on small wounds or cuts.

Replied By Charlotte (Texas) on 01/29/2017

I am so interested in this concept myself...I have had Grover's disease for 13 months and am always wanting to use natural products instead of all the medicines the doctors prescribe. Please let me hear from you so I can start on these as soon as possible.

Replied By Lorraine (Star, Idaho) on 02/18/2017

Hi Margie,

Sorry to hear about your Grover flare ups. I too have had Grover's for several years, but evidently, it is far less invasive on my skin than what many others on EC are experiencing. I have done a lot of research into the medical journals and have been frustrated that there is so little research or interest in this disease. I would like to share with you the one thing that I have found helps the "itching" (in quotes, because mine is more like a "stabbing pain." I use Oregano oil on my flare ups. It is totally natural, of course, with no side effects, and it works wonders -- almost instantly. You can purchase a dropper bottle of this oil at Vitacost online. If you do try the oil, I would be appreciative if you would let me know whether it works for you.

Best of luck, Lorraine

Replied By Captain Ron (Calgary Alberta) on 02/20/2017

The idea is to not sweat.

In the sum the U/V will burn you but the IR will make you sweat. There are special effective parts of UV spectrum that need to be nurtured. Avoid factors that can cause and aggravate the condition, such as high environmental temperatures, significant sweating, and conversely dry skin.

Mayo Says: Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight or can include the use of artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Because exposure to light can sometimes intensify Grover's disease, light therapy should be directed by a dermatologist who has experience treating patients with Grover's disease.

Replied By Jeanna (Ooltewah, Tn) on 03/11/2017

Do you use the oregano straight or do you dilute it with coconut oil. I bought some of the essential oil oregano and plan to start using it but I was told not to put it on without diluting it?????? My husband has just been diagnosed and he is miserable and broke out all over

Replied By Vonnie (Wyoming) on 04/02/2017

You are supposed to dilute Oregano Essential. It works wonders, but it is very harsh if used without dilution.

Replied By Leigh (Tucson, Az) on 06/23/2017

Hello, I use the Oregano straight, without diluting. You should find that just a drop massaged into the eruption will relieve the pain. It's also important to maintain very moist skin. Best to make your own moisturizer using ONLY oils such as avocado, coconut, black seed oil, lecithin, etc. One thing that is missing on the EC website is a differentiation of various types of acantholytic dermatosis (Grover's). Most people have the "transient" variety, which does tend to run it's course and eventually resolve. Mine is "focal" which is chronic. Also, most people are attempting to treat this as a "rash". In fact, it is a cellular defect or faulty programming of the skin cells. As my doc explained: "The cells forget how to bind together, creating a fissure in the skin." Sounds horrible, but you can see why this cannot be treated as a rash. The best we can do at this time is to try to soothe the skin and keep it supple. Hope the drops help! Lorraine

Replied By Kathy (London, Ky) on 09/13/2017

How was the outcome longterm?

Replied By Hawks (Tampa, Fl) on 01/25/2018

I was told that the sun and heat was a major cause of the flair up. Is the sun helping you?

Replied By Marie (Ny) on 04/30/2018

I am a female who suffered with this itchy rash for 2 years before being diagnosed with Grover's Disease (aka Dermatitis of Imminoseques) and in rare instances could lead to a bullous skin condition for which I was tested. The blood test to ruled out the gene (16034- Bullous Pemphigoid (BP 180) Antiobody, which brought tremendous relief.

This natural way that is being discussed on this site seems the better approach than all the drugs prescribed which haven't worked well at the risk of side effects and possible damage to the liver. Among them, as prescribed by Dermatologists, (which have failed) are: A script (nightly) called Hydroxyzine HCL 25 mg provides temporary relief, downside is some brief dizziness upon waking. In conjunction, taken several 10 day predinzone (10 mg at 40 mg per day sliding down to 10mg). I've used several steroid topical prescription creams and over the counter anti itch creams with aloe. I uses Cerave products and soaps. Use hypoallergenic detergents, wear natural cotton clothing, no metals on jeans, take vitamins to ensure basic health, etc. Recently, I've been offered a long course of powerful drugs called metrotrexate (weekly) or mycophenolate (daily) which are used in cancer patients and organ recipient patients which is beyond the pale had I had the gene and whihc I would have refused even if I had the gene.

Prefer taking the Natural Way:

To keep my skin in PH balance. I found a body wash sold in CVS which is 100% soap & alkali-free and PH - 5.5. I use coconut cream to moisturize, strong zinc skin cream and intend to detox with Cilantro (after reading the success) from other sufferers of Grover's Disease for which I am grateful. Thank you.

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