Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in the treatment of acanthosis nigricans: A split-neck comparative study.

Abstract

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a prevalent dermatological issue with numerous treatment options that are not entirely sufficient. Topical vitamin D analogs were found to be effective and safe in treating AN; however, other preparations of vitamin D have not been studied yet.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in treating pseudo-acanthosis nigricans.

Methods: We enrolled thirty subjects who had bilateral pseudo-acanthosis nigricans of the neck. Every patient received intralesional vitamin D3 therapy on the right side of the neck and intralesional saline as a control on the left side over the course of four sessions, each spaced one week apart. Cases were assessed clinically one month after the last treatment session by Acanthosis Nigricans Area and Severity Index (ANASI) score in addition to dermoscopic examination.

Results: A statistically significant decrease in ANASI score was seen between the treated and control sides both before and after treatment, with the intralesional vitamin D treated side exhibiting a larger percentage of reduction than the control side. Intralesional vitamin D3 treatment significantly improved dermoscopic features such as cristae cutis, sulci cutis, and pigmented dots compared to the placebo treatment.

Conclusions: Intralesional vitamin D3 is a safe and effective modality for treating pseudo-acanthosis nigricans.