Transient acantholytic dermatosis
Alerts and Notices
Important News & Links
Synopsis
One large retrospective study of outpatients found the disease diagnosed 4 times more often in the winter than in the summer and attributed this difference to dry skin. Another study of inpatients found prolonged bed rest as a risk factor. Atopic dermatitis, renal failure (acute, chronic), transplantation, and malignancies have also been associated with this diagnosis.
Clinically, transient acantholytic dermatosis presents with red scaly papules and papulovesicles over the trunk. The condition is usually intensely pruritic; however, some individuals are asymptomatic. Flares of disease may be marked by an increase in both pruritus and surrounding erythema, vesicles, and erosions. This appearance is frequently encountered on the backs of hospitalized patients on prolonged bed rest.
This condition is histologically variable, and the key finding on pathology is focal acantholysis. The disease can be self-resolving or may wax and wane for several years, and cases of persistent disease have been reported. Since the condition is benign, the primary goal of treatment is control of symptoms.
Codes
L11.1 – Transient acantholytic dermatosis [Grover]
SNOMEDCT:
17796002 – Transient acantholytic dermatosis
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Subscription Required
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
Drug Reaction Data
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Updated:11/08/2022