Metformin: A Potential Treatment for Acne, Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Rosacea

Acta Derm Venereol. 2023 Dec 11:103:adv18392. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v103.18392.

Abstract

Metformin is a widely used drug for treatment of diabetes mellitus, due to its safety and efficacy. In addition to its role as an antidiabetic drug, numerous beneficial effects of metformin have enabled its use in various diseases. Considering the anti-androgenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-fibrotic and antioxidant properties of metformin, it may have the potential to improve chronic inflammatory skin diseases. However, further evidence is needed to confirm the efficacy of metformin in dermatological conditions, This review focuses on exploring the therapeutic targets of metformin in acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa and rosacea, by studying their pathogeneses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris* / diagnosis
  • Acne Vulgaris* / drug therapy
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa* / diagnosis
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Metformin* / pharmacology
  • Metformin* / therapeutic use
  • Rosacea* / diagnosis
  • Rosacea* / drug therapy
  • Skin

Substances

  • Metformin