Dermatological issues like hirsutism, acne, androgenetic alopecia, and
acanthosis nigricans frequently coexist, significantly impacting patients' well-being.
Understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is crucial for early
detection and effective management. Key contributors to dermatological manifestations
in PCOS include hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation,
mediated by immunological pathways, genetic predispositions, and hormonal
imbalances. Hirsutism results from androgen excess and increased 5α-reductase
activity. Adult acne, influenced by androgens and follicular hyperkeratinization,
worsens with chronic inflammation. Androgenetic alopecia involves complex
mechanisms like Wnt signaling alterations and chronic scalp inflammation. Acanthosis
nigricans, indicative of insulin resistance, highlights metabolic dysfunction in PCOS.
Insulin-like growth factor receptor abnormalities and hyperinsulinemia drive its
pathogenesis. This chapter draws the landscape of the interplay between endocrinology
and dermatology in PCOS.
Keywords: Acanthosis nigricans, Androgenic alopecia, Acne vulgaris, Hirsutism.
