Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a common dermatologic manifestation of systemic disease that is associated with insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, obesity, internal malignancy, endocrine disorders, and drug reactions. Treatment of AN primarily focuses on resolution of the underlying disease processes causing the velvety, hyperpigmented, hyperkeratotic plaques found on the skin. While the goal of therapy is to treat the primary cause, cosmetic resolution of AN lesions can be important for patients and their quality of life. Treatment options for AN have not been extensively studied; however, smaller powered clinical trials and case reports exist in the literature. Our review aims to explore and evaluate the current treatment options that exist for AN.
Keywords: acanthosis nigricans; dermatologic condition; dermatology; diabetes; hyperinsulinemia; isotretinoin; malignant acanthosis; metformin; obesity; pseudoacanthosis; topical therapy; tretinoin.