title: The efficacy of topical 0.1% adapalene gel for use in the treatment of childhood acanthosis nigricans: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  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 4(th) 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.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhonnayok, Thailand.
authors: Arucha
authors: A
authors: Treesirichod
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhonnayok, Thailand.
authors: Suthida
authors: S
authors: Chaithirayanon
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhonnayok, Thailand.
authors: Nattakarn
authors: N
authors: Wongjitrat
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
authors: Pattra
authors: P
authors: Wattanapan
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