From the Guidelines
Sarna is not recommended for Grover's disease as it may only provide temporary relief from itching and could potentially irritate sensitive skin. Grover's disease, also known as transient acantholytic dermatosis, is a condition that requires treatment focusing on the underlying acantholytic process rather than just symptom relief. According to the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the investigation and management of generalized pruritus in adults without an underlying dermatosis 1, patients with generalized pruritus of unknown origin (GPUO) may benefit from topical treatments such as clobetasone butyrate or menthol, but Sarna, which contains menthol and camphor, is not specifically recommended for Grover's disease.
For Grover's disease, treatment typically involves topical corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone 0.1% cream applied twice daily to affected areas for 2-4 weeks. In some cases, oral antihistamines like cetirizine 10mg daily can help with itching, while tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline 100mg twice daily) may be beneficial for inflammation, as suggested by the guidelines for managing pruritus 1. Vitamin A derivatives like acitretin or isotretinoin might be prescribed for persistent cases. It's essential to manage the underlying condition and avoid excessive heat or sweating, which can exacerbate the disease.
Key considerations for managing Grover's disease include:
- Topical corticosteroids for inflammation
- Oral antihistamines for itching
- Avoiding irritants and excessive heat
- Considering alternative treatments like vitamin A derivatives for persistent cases
- Focusing on the underlying acantholytic process rather than just symptom relief, as emphasized by the guidelines for generalized pruritus 1.
From the Research
Sarna for Grover's Disease
- There is no direct mention of Sarna as a treatment for Grover's disease in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies suggest various treatment options for Grover's disease, including:
- Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) as the most frequent treatment with a response rate of 70% 2.
- Systemic retinoids and corticosteroids with response rates of 86% and 64%, respectively 2.
- Topical steroids and vitamin D analogues with adjuvant antihistamines as first-line therapy 3.
- Systemic corticosteroids, retinoids, and phototherapy for more severe cases 3.
- It is essential to note that the treatment for Grover's disease is aimed at disease prevention and symptomatic relief, as the disease often resolves spontaneously 3.
- The provided studies do not mention Sarna as a treatment option, and therefore, its effectiveness for Grover's disease is unknown based on the available evidence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.