Grover's -does biopsy diagnose it?

[miserableinthesouth]

After skin biopsy (2 patches) my derm. said it "might" be Grover's disease.  I thought biopsies diagnosed it for sure?

How effective is Elidol?  Anithistamines and topical steroids are not working and oral steroids aren't an option for me.  I'm afraid of scarring - itchiness is so intense and the healed over places break open again and bleed.  

[miserableinthesouth]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.  I went back to the derm practice - different doctor this time who was much more proactive and determined to treat it AND find out what it is.  She did a punch biopsy and ordered phosphoresence something and said we would try to rule out unusual things.  I've started prednisone and a different topical medicine.  I'm trying not to worry to much - the doctor said she'd work me in immediately when the biopsy results are back.  

I have a concern that it could be related to my work - I process old (150 years old) documents and this started the day I began a new set of records.  I usually have a little itchiness - no bumps - that goes away as soon as I wash my hands, and since I take allergy shots I know mold is a trigger.  However, it never has blistered.

I wonder if it's a cross-reaction between the Levoquin I had been on for a week at the time for a bladder infection, or with the non-ionic day I had that Monday when I went for a C-scan.   I don't think they'll ever figure this out, but i have hope.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Grover's disease is a condition that appears suddenly as itchy red spots on the trunk. Diagnosis is  reached with its characteristic appearance under the microscope and a shave skin biopsy. It would be best to discuss this with your doctor and to clarify what he meant by his diagnosis as well as alternative medications to the previously prescribed medication. It is important to remain cool, as further sweating will induce more itchy spots. Minor outbreaks can be controlled with prescription strength topical cortisone creams. And if these fail or the outbreak is severe, PUVA phototherapy treatments, antifungal pills and cortisone injections are alternatives. Take care and keep us posted.