CO2 laser treatment of benign juvenile acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a rare disease, which presents with symmetrical dar k pigmentation and hyperkeratosis. The most common sites for this disorder are the axillae, neck and genitalia. In this case report, a patient with wi despread involvement including the face is presented. The affected skin was thickened, hyperkeratotic and had a gray brown color with pronounced warty papillomatosis, having a velvety texture. Several treatment modalities hav e been suggested; however, the results are mostly disappointing. The treatm ent chosen was CO2 laser therapy for the face. This resulted in an alleviat ion of symptoms and an excellent aesthetic improvement.