Trichloroacetic Acid 15% Peel Alone versus in Combination with Microneedling in Patients with Acanthosis Nigricans.

Background: Acanthosis nigricans is a common hyperpigmentation disorder with a profound aesthetic impact. The primary concern of most patients is the cosmetic improvement, that is way there is a continuous search for the most effective cosmetic therapeutic option.

Methods: 40 acanthosis nigricans patients were included, lesions are split into equal halves; right side treated with TCA 15% peel and left side was treated with microneedling followed by TCA 15% peel, both sides were treated monthly for three months. Response to treatment was assessed by acanthosis nigricans grade improvement along with the percentage of improvement in texture and pigmentation individually.

Results: There was statistically significant improvement in acanthosis nigricans grade after treatment in both sides. The combination side showed more improvement in terms of texture and pigmentation.

Conclusion: Both TCA 15% alone or combined with microneedling were effective in improving acanthosis nigricans with superior results in combination modality.