CureusSep 29, 2025

Use of GLP-1 Medicines in Changing Existing Skin Diseases: A Systematic Review

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jun 27, 2026

Abstract

Essence

GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve several preexisting dermatologic diseases, but the evidence is uneven.

Evidence

This systematic review synthesized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case reports covering psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, HAIR-AN syndrome, Hailey-Hailey disease, acne keloidalis nuchae, folliculitis decalvans, androgenic alopecia, and localized linear scleroderma.

Caveat

The included evidence spans heterogeneous designs and conditions, with many signals requiring larger prospective studies.

Simplified

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity, and growing evidence suggests potential benefits in dermatologic disease. We systematically reviewed reports in the literature that linked their use to improvement of preexisting dermatologic conditions, including psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and acanthosis nigricans (HAIR-AN) syndrome, Hailey-Hailey disease, acne keloidalis nuchae, folliculitis decalvans, androgenic alopecia, and localized linear scleroderma. Through controlled trials, cohort studies, and case reports, varying degrees of clinical improvement were observed across these conditions. We also review proposed mechanisms underlying these findings, with attention to immunologic, metabolic, and barrier-modulating pathways. GLP-1RAs thus represent a promising therapeutic avenue in dermatology, warranting further investigation in larger, prospective studies.