Successful treatment of transient acantholytic dermatosis with systemic steroids

Retinoids for the Treatment of Refractory Grover's Disease: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Grover's disease, also known as transient acantholytic dermatosis (TAD), currently has no published randomized control trials regarding the treatment of the disease; thus, evidence for treatment is largely derived from case studies and case reports. In this case series, we summarize the current treatment options for Grover's disease and discuss two cases of refractory Grover's disease treated with low-dose oral isotretinoin in patients who previously failed to reach clearance with multiple treatment options. Our aim is to highlight the efficacy of low-dose systemic retinoid therapy in Grover's disease when other treatment options prove unsatisfactory.

Clinical features and treatments of transient acantholytic dermatosis (Grover's disease): a systematic review

Grover's disease (GD) is an itchy acantholytic disorder occurring on the trunk of middle-aged men. Based on the best evidence, this study aimed to provide a summary of the clinical characteristics, disease course and treatments of GD. A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines for original articles published between 01.01.1970-08.15.2019, assessing clinical features and/or any type of intervention for GD. A total of 263 articles were retrieved, and 116 original reports that were deemed relevant and satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis (88 case reports, 26 case series and two retrospective reviews). From these articles, 317 patients were identified, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.95. The mean age was 59 years (range 11-92). Typical lesions were itchy papules and vesicle-papules, generally located on the trunk. Spontaneous resolution within one week to eight months was described in 42 % of cases. Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) were the most frequent treatment (response rate of 70 %) followed by systemic retinoids and corticosteroids with response rates of 86 % and 64 %, respectively. According to the results of this review, TCS appears to be the most frequently employed treatment, and we suggest TCS as first-line therapy. Second-line treatments could include systemic retinoids or systemic corticosteroids.

Grover disease: review of subtypes with a focus on management options

Grover disease (GD) is a benign eruption that causes a papulovesicular rash on the trunk and proximal extremities. It often resolves spontaneously but can follow a more chronic and fluctuating course that may last several years. Although the etiology remains unknown, several associated triggers have been identified including heat and sweating, cool and dry air, renal failure, malignancy, and the initiation of several drugs. Since the disease tends to resolve on its own, management is aimed at disease prevention and symptomatic relief. First-line therapy includes topical steroids and vitamin D analogues with adjuvant antihistamines. In more severe cases that are refractory to less aggressive therapy, systemic corticosteroids, retinoids, and phototherapy may lead to successful resolution. Novel therapies are few and have little evidence but involve innovative use of light therapy and immune modulators. Herein, we review the literature and new trends of GD with a focus on established and novel treatments.

Atypical features and systemic associations in extensive cases of Grover disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Grover disease is an acantholytic disorder that typically occurs on the trunk of older individuals, primarily white men, in association with heat and xerosis. Cases with extensive and/or atypical distributions have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature characterizing the population, morphology, associations, and disease course of extensive or atypical eruptions of Grover disease.

METHODS

A systematic literature review identified 50 articles with 69 cases.

RESULTS

Patient age ranged from 14 to 83 years (mean age, 56 ± 15), with 71% of patients being male and 29% female. Areas of involvement included the trunk (90%), upper and lower extremities (63% and 61%, respectively), face/scalp (28%), neck (21%), groin (11%), buttocks (8%), and axillae (6%). The most common associations included a history of malignancy (61%), recent chemotherapy (38%), and recent transplant (20%).

LIMITATIONS

Extensive cases with typical clinical morphology may not have been examined by biopsy or reported; thus, this review may have publication bias toward more severe or atypical presentations.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater variability exists among patients affected by extensive or atypical Grover disease than among those with typical disease. Malignancy is a common association, and there may be a role for immunosuppression in the pathogenesis of extensive or atypical Grover disease.

Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of axillary Hailey-Hailey disease

BACKGROUND

Hailey-Hailey disease is an inherited acantholytic disorder affecting the intertriginous areas of the body which is exacerbated by sweat, moisture, and friction. The disease is frequently resistant to conventional nonsurgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether chemodenervation of sweat glands would improve the course of the disease in a patient with Hailey-Hailey.

METHODS

We used low-dose treatment of the left axilla with botulinum toxin type A, the right axilla being used as a control, followed by treatment of both axillae with the optimal dose routinely used for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

RESULTS

After one treatment with a low dose of botulinum toxin type A, we observed partial improvement of the treated axilla. With subsequent treatment of both axillae with the recommended dose for axillary hyperhidrosis, we observed a sustained complete remission of the disease in the treated axillae.

CONCLUSION

Botulinum toxin type A may be an effective and safe nonsurgical alternative for the treatment of benign familial pemphigus in intertriginous areas such as the axillae.