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Review
. 2020 Aug;19(8):1857-1865.
doi: 10.1111/jocd.13544.

Acanthosis nigricans: A review

Anupam Das  1 , Debatri Datta  2 , Martin Kassir  3 , Uwe Wollina  4 , Hassan Galadari  5 , Torello Lotti  6 , Mohammad Jafferany  7 , Stephan Grabbe  8 , Mohamad Goldust  9   10   11
Affiliations
Review

Acanthosis nigricans: A review

Anupam Das et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a cutaneous disorder characterized by symmetric velvety hyperpigmented plaques on intertriginous areas like axilla, neck, inframammary, and groin.

Aims: To summarize the pathophysiology and classification of AN, provide an update of diagnostic testing strategies, and describe the current therapeutic options described so far in the literature for this disease.

Methods: A comprehensive english language literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane) for keywords (alone and in combination) was performed. MeSH as well as non-MeSH terms such as "acanthosis nigricans," "classification," "pathophysiology," "diagnosis," "treatment," "topical drugs," "systemic drugs," "chemical peeling," and "lasers" were taken into consideration.

Results: The pathophysiology of AN revolves around a multifactorial stimulation of proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Various types of AN include benign, obesity-associated, syndromic, malignant, acral, unilateral, medication-induced, and mixed-type. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is a good tool for assessment of insulin resistance. Management involves general measures (weight reduction and addressing the underlying cause, if any), topical drugs (retinoids, vitamin D analogs, and keratolytics), oral drugs (retinoids and insulin sensitizers), chemical peels (trichloroacetic acid), and lasers (Long pulsed alexandrite, fractional 1550-nm erbium fiber, and CO2 ).

Conclusion: Acanthosis nigricans is a treatable condition; however, complete cure and disappearance of lesions are difficult to achieve. Weight reduction is the most scientific and practical management strategy. Long-term studies and further research is warranted in the pathophysiology and treatment of this common condition.

Keywords: acanthosis nigricans; classification; diagnosis; pathophysiology; treatment.

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References

REFERENCES

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