The efficacy of topical 0.1% adapalene gel for use in the treatment of childhood acanthosis nigricans: A pilot study

Abstract

Aims:To assess the degree of improvement of neck hyperpigmentation in childhood acanthosis nigricans (AN) after treatment with topical 0.1% adapalene gel and the assessment of localized tissue tolerance to the gel.Subjects and Methods:A split comparison study of the hyperpigmentation on the neck was conducted in patients diagnosed with childhood AN. Patients were treated with topical 0.1% adapalene gel for a period of 4 weeks. The skin color of their neck was evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks using a skin color chart. Skin color ratio (the skin on their necks compared with the skin on their backs) was calculated for all subjects. The investigator's global evaluation (IGE) scale and the parent's global evaluation (PGE) scale were used to assess the efficacy of the patients’ treatment at the end of the 4th week.Results:The mean skin color ratio of therapeutic side was significantly decreased from the baseline scores, at weeks 2 and 4, respectively (30.1%, 18.3%, and 12.9%, P < 0.001), with marked skin improvement at 60.7% ± 28.5%. The percentage of changes of skin color ratio was consistent with the efficacy evaluations as performed by the IGE and PGE scales. Treatment-related cutaneous irritation was minimal, predominantly in the first 2 weeks of treatment and was shown to be well-tolerated at week 4 following a modification of the treatment regimen.Conclusions:The study has shown the efficacy of topical 0.1% adapalene gel in the treatment of AN, specifically, in regards to the skin darkening with minimal cutaneous irritation.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of 0.1% adapalene gel and 0.025% tretinoin cream in the treatment of childhood acanthosis nigricans

“…However, comparison of efficacy before and after treatment for both topical medications showed significant improvement. Our results were also consistent with previous studies of the efficacy of topical 0.1% adapalene gel for the treatment of childhood AN . Interestingly, assessment of treatment efficacy with IGE and PGE correlated well with M indices, objectively measured by a reflectance spectrophotometer.…”

“…However, a reduction in hyperpigmentation by topical retinoids in AN within 2 weeks of treatment has been shown in case reports . A study on the efficacy of topical 0.1% adapalene gel in the treatment of childhood AN showed skin improvement of 60.7% at week 4 compared to baseline, with minimal treatment‐related cutaneous side effects …”

Recent Advances Regarding the Therapeutic Potential of Adapalene

“…Numerous reviews have been focused on ADP and comparative studies of retinoids [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Due to favorable clinical observations, ADP is increasingly used off-label as in the treatment of lichen spinulosus [ 16 ], childhood acanthosis nigricans [ 17 ], plantar warts [ 18 , 19 ], alopecia areata [ 20 ], and many other conditions which will be addressed in an individual section of this review.…”

“…The known biological effects are useful to treat acne vulgaris but also other dermatological conditions. Recently, a depigmenting effect was reported in some studies regarding acanthosis nigricans treatment [ 17 ]. Additionally, a favorable impact on differentiation and maintenance of hair follicles [ 20 ], and an inhibitory action on melanogenesis was very useful in the treatment of photoaging [ 21 ].…”

Efficacy of topical 0.1% adapalene gel for use in the treatment of childhood acanthosis nigricans: a pilot study

“…Childhood acanthosis nigricans is common and increasing in Thailand and other countries, because of the epidemic of obesity . As such, acanthosis nigricans is a marker for increased risk of diabetes and hypertension.…”