Acanthosis nigricans: To be or not to be afraid

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Endocrinology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a prevalent skin disorder with significant esthetic implications.
• Clinically, AN serves as a crucial indicator of underlying systemic conditions, including metabolic disorders, endocrine syndromes, medication side effects, malignancy, and genetic factors.
• It can be an early sign of diabetes mellitus or malignancy, necessitating prompt clinical attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on the etiopathogenesis of Acanthosis Nigricans.
• To propose a novel classification system for AN.
• To outline therapeutic strategies for AN and its associated conditions.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on Acanthosis Nigricans.
• Analysis of existing data on AN causes and clinical presentations.
• Synthesis of information to propose a new classification and treatment algorithms.

Main Results:

• AN is frequently associated with metabolic disorders, particularly insulin resistance.
• A proposed new classification system categorizes AN types based on etiology and clinical urgency.
• Therapeutic approaches include systemic treatments for underlying diseases and local treatments for cosmetic concerns.

Conclusions:

• Acanthosis nigricans is a significant dermatological sign requiring thorough investigation into potential systemic diseases.
• The proposed classification aims to guide diagnostic and therapeutic strategies more effectively.
• Integrated management addressing both the underlying cause and cosmetic aspects is essential for patient care.