![Journal of Drugs in Dermatology JDD Article About Visual Assessment Tools and Therapeutic Implications for Acanthosis Nigricans. Image is from the Full Spectrum of Dermatology: A Diverse and Inclusive Atlas that features acanthosis nigricans on a patient with darker skin tone.](https://jddonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Visual-Assessment-Tools-and-Therapeutic-Implications-for-768x515.png)
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Acanthosis nigricans disproportionately affects individuals with darker skin tones, yet no FDA-approved treatment currently exists. As the demand for effective therapies grows, the dermatology community faces a critical challenge: how can we accurately assess disease severity and track treatment response in clinical trials?
A new review published in the February issue of JDD evaluates five visual scoring tools for acanthosis nigricans severity, identifying the most reliable options for clinical use. The findings highlight the strengths of the Acanthosis Nigricans Scoring Chart and the Acanthosis Nigricans Area and Severity Index while calling for more refined assessment methods to guide future research.
With a push toward standardized, universally accepted severity tools, this study underscores the need for innovation in both treatment and measurement—key steps in closing healthcare disparities for patients with darker skin tones.