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.