Metformin and dry skin
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Metformin and Dry Skin: An Overview
Introduction to Metformin and Dermatological Applications
Metformin is primarily known as an antihyperglycemic medication used to manage Type II Diabetes Mellitus. However, recent studies have explored its potential benefits in treating various dermatological conditions. These include hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, acne, acanthosis nigricans, and hirsutism1. Despite its broad application in skin-related disorders, the specific relationship between metformin and dry skin remains underexplored.
Metformin's Efficacy in Treating Skin Conditions
Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Psoriasis
Research indicates that metformin shows promising results in reducing the frequency and severity of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) flares, with some patients experiencing complete resolution of lesions1. Similarly, patients with psoriasis treated with metformin have demonstrated quantifiable clinical improvements1. These findings suggest that metformin can be an effective adjunctive therapy for these conditions.
Acne, Acanthosis Nigricans, and Hirsutism
The application of metformin in treating acne, particularly related to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), acanthosis nigricans, and hirsutism has yielded mixed results1. While some patients benefit from its use, others do not experience significant improvements. This variability underscores the need for further research to identify which subgroups of patients might benefit the most from metformin therapy.
Safety Profile and Adverse Effects
One of the key advantages of metformin in dermatological applications is its favorable safety profile. Studies have reported no serious adverse effects associated with its use in treating skin conditions1. This makes metformin a viable option for long-term management of certain dermatological disorders.
Metformin and Skin Cancer Risk
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies has investigated the association between metformin use and skin cancer risk. The findings indicate no significant association between metformin and the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)2. Although there is suggestive evidence of modestly reduced skin cancer risks among metformin users, these findings are not statistically significant and should not influence current medical decision-making for diabetes patients at risk of skin cancer2.
Conclusion
While metformin shows promise in treating various dermatological conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis, its specific effects on dry skin are not well-documented. The medication's favorable safety profile and lack of significant association with increased skin cancer risk make it a potential adjunctive therapy for certain skin disorders. However, further research is needed to fully understand its impact on dry skin and to identify patient subgroups that may benefit the most from its use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Oral Metformin for Treating Dermatological Diseases: A Systematic Review.
Metformin is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for treating psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and PCOS-related acne, acanthosis nigricans, and hirsutism.
Systematic ReviewRisk of Skin Cancer Associated with Metformin Use: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies
Metformin use shows no significant association with skin cancer risks, but may slightly reduce the risk among users.
Meta-AnalysisA Molecular Perspective on the Potential Benefits of Metformin for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Disorders
Metformin shows potential benefits in treating inflammatory skin disorders, with its anti-hyperglycemic effect, NF-kB inhibition, and anti-hyperandrogenism effects potentially playing key roles.
Novel Metformin Indications and Skin Disorders
Metformin shows potential as a treatment for various skin conditions, including inflammatory skin dermatoses, skin neoplasms, and pigmentary disorders.
Literature ReviewMetformin in dermatology: an overview
Metformin is effective in treating non-diabetic skin disorders like hirsutism, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, acanthosis nigricans, psoriasis, skin cancer, with potential side effects.
Literature ReviewAssociation Between Oral Metformin Use and the Development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Metformin use is associated with a significant reduction in the odds of developing age-related macular degeneration in diabetic patients.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalTopical metformin 30% gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris in women, a split face, placebo‐controlled study
Topical metformin 30% gel shows promise as a safe and effective treatment for acne vulgaris in women, with significant improvement in comedones, papules, and nodules compared to placebo.
RCTPossible treatment for UVB-induced skin injury: Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective role of metformin in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes.
Metformin shows potential as a topical therapy against UVB-induced skin damage by inhibiting inflammation and protecting keratinocytes from cell death.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyDifferential Effects of Metformin on Immune-Mediated and Androgen-Mediated Non-Cancer Skin Diseases in Diabetes Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Metformin use is associated with a significantly lower risk of immune-mediated skin diseases but lacks a preventive effect on androgen-mediated skin diseases.
Observational StudyThe Metformin-Induced Changes on BMI, TSH, and Thyroid Hormones Profileof Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Metformin effectively reduces BMI, TSH, and thyroid hormones in patients with PCOS, while decreasing hypersomnia and dry skin.
Non-RCT