From the Research
Acanthosis nigricans treatment should focus on addressing the underlying cause, such as insulin resistance, obesity, or other endocrine disorders, and may involve lifestyle interventions, metformin, or other medications, as well as topical treatments for cosmetic improvement, as suggested by the most recent study 1. The treatment of acanthosis nigricans (AN) depends on the underlying condition causing the disease.
- In cases of insulin resistance, lifestyle interventions such as weight control and exercise can help improve the condition, as noted in 2.
- Metformin is a key player in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and can also be used to treat AN, especially in cases associated with insulin resistance, as mentioned in 2.
- Topical treatments such as retinoids, vitamin D analogs, and urea cream can be used for cosmetic improvement, as discussed in 3 and 1.
- In some cases, systemic therapy such as oral retinoids may be considered for extensive or generalized AN, as suggested in 3. It is essential to address the underlying cause of AN to prevent recurrence and improve the patient's quality of life.
- Early recognition of AN is crucial, as it can be a cutaneous manifestation of systemic disorders, including internal malignancy, as noted in 3 and 4.
- The diagnosis of AN is mainly clinical, based on the characteristic appearance and typical sites of the lesions, as described in 3.
- A skin biopsy may be necessary in some cases to confirm the diagnosis, as mentioned in 2. The treatment of AN should be individualized, and the patient's response to treatment should be monitored closely, as suggested in 5.
- The patient's quality of life should be taken into consideration when deciding on a treatment plan, as noted in 3 and 5.
- The treatment of AN is not just limited to topical or systemic medications but also involves lifestyle modifications and addressing the underlying cause, as discussed in 2 and 1.