Topical rapamycin for acanthosis nigricans in the Fitzpatrick IV/V adolescent population

Pediatr Dermatol. 2021 Jan;38(1):296-298. doi: 10.1111/pde.14404. Epub 2020 Oct 24.

Abstract

Dermatologically, FGFR3 mutations can lead to acanthosis nigricans (AN), epidermal nevi, and seborrheic keratosis. A recent case report found that topical rapamycin (sirolimus) can improve FGFR3-induced epidermal nevi with AN features in children, specifically with Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) I/II, and we would like to expand these findings to skin plaques with extensive AN-like features in the FST IV/V adolescent population. An 18-year-old female with FST IV/V and FGFR3-induced hypochondroplasia presented to our clinic with extensive AN-like plaques. Significant improvement with lightening and thinning of the plaques was observed after applying 1% topical rapamycin cream twice daily. Topical rapamycin should be considered as a treatment option for AN, particularly in FST IV/V adolescents with FGFR3-induced AN.

Keywords: FGFR3; acanthosis nigricans; rapamycin; sirolimus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acanthosis Nigricans* / diagnosis
  • Acanthosis Nigricans* / drug therapy
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Dwarfism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nevus*
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use
  • Skin Neoplasms*

Substances

  • Sirolimus