Metformin in Dermatology: An Overview

February 2013 in “ JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

Dana T. Badr, Mazen Kurban, Ossama Abbas

metformin hirsutism acne hidradenitis suppurativa acanthosis nigricans psoriasis skin cancer leukocytoclastic vasculitis bullous pemphigoid psoriasiform drug eruption lichen planus acute alopecia

Studysummary This review examines evidence on metformin's use in treating various skin disorders and discusses associated cutaneous side-effects; it reports no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review article provided an evidence-based overview of metformin's use in dermatology, highlighting its effectiveness in treating various skin disorders such as hirsutism, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, acanthosis nigricans, psoriasis, and skin cancer. Metformin's pharmacological properties, including its hypoglycaemic, platelet anti-aggregating, and antioxidant effects, were discussed as mechanisms contributing to its dermatological benefits. Additionally, the article addressed cutaneous side effects associated with metformin, such as leukocytoclastic vasculitis, bullous pemphigoid, psoriasiform drug eruption, lichen planus, and acute alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

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research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Complex Condition with Psychological, Reproductive, and Metabolic Manifestations That Impacts Health Across the Lifespan

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research Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Management

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This review discusses the causes, clinical features, diagnostic approach, and treatment options for hirsutism in women, but reports no new findings.

Increased Insulin Sensitivity by Metformin Enhances Intense-Pulsed-Light-Assisted Hair Removal in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Increased Insulin Sensitivity by Metformin Enhances Intense-Pulsed-Light-Assisted Hair Removal in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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This study found that adding metformin to IPL therapy in women with PCOS significantly improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hirsutism compared to IPL therapy alone.

research Impact of Metformin and Rosiglitazone Treatment on Glucose Transporter 4 mRNA Expression in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

40 citations , April 2008 in “European journal of endocrinology”

In this study, treatment with insulin sensitizers significantly increased adipose tissue GLUT4 mRNA expression and improved insulin resistance, menstrual patterns, and androgen profiles in PCOS patients, with rosiglitazone being more effective than metformin.

research Metformin or Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

192 citations , September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This study suggests that metformin may be more effective than Dianette in treating moderate to severe hirsutism in women with PCOS, while also reducing markers of insulin resistance.

research The Effect of Metformin on Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

90 citations , August 2002 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This study found that metformin treatment significantly improved hair growth in women with PCOS and hirsutism compared to a placebo.