Fractional carbon dioxide laser versus trichloroacetic acid peel in the treatment of pseudo-acanthosis nigricans

BACKGROUND Treatment of acanthosis nigricans (AN) is challenging, and new modalities are being explored continuously to increase the therapeutic efficacy. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser compared to trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel in the treatment of pseudo-acanthosis nigricans (pseudo-AN). METHODS The study included 40 patients with pseudo-AN on the neck and axilla allocated into two groups each containing 20 patients. Group (A) was treated with TCA 20% peel applied on the pigmented area while group (B) received fractional CO2 laser. Both treatments were performed till complete clearance or for a maximum of four treatment sessions. Patients with excellent response were further followed up for 6 months after the end of treatment. RESULTS Both modalities were effective in the treatment of pseudo-AN; however, the therapeutic response was significantly higher in the fractional CO2 laser group compared to the TCA peel group (p