Improvement of acanthosis nigricans on isotretinoin and metformin.

Abstract

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is an eruption of hyperpigmented, velvety thickened patches, often with papillomatosis, that occurs symmetrically on any body site but most commonly at the axillae, neck, groin, and flexural surfaces. We report a case of a 55-year-old obese male who developed acanthosis nigricans with striking papillomatosis and tripe palms who experienced improvement on a long-term tapering dosage of isotretinoin, with additional benefit with the addition of metformin. While oral retinoids have been reported to positively impact AN, improvement of AN with metformin has been reported in only two prior cases. Combined therapy with isotretinoin and metformin for AN has not been reported previously.

• Authors: Hobart W Walling, Michael Messingham, Laura M Myers, Camille L Mason, John S Strauss
• Journal: Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (J Drugs Dermatol) Vol. 2 Issue 6 Pg. 677-81 (Dec 2003) ISSN: 1545-9616 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14711151 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Keratolytic Agents
• Metformin
• Isotretinoin

Topics

• Acanthosis Nigricans (diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)
• Administration, Oral
• Axilla
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Hand
• Humans
• Hypoglycemic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Isotretinoin (administration & dosage)
• Keratolytic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Metformin (administration & dosage)
• Middle Aged
• Neck