Abstract: Metformin is the most commonly used oral hypoglycemic agent. Studies have  demonstrated that it not only has insulin sensitizing effect, but also has effects of anti-inflammatory, anti-androgen and anti-tumor. In recent years, metformin has succsefully been used to treat variety of skin diseases, including hirsutism, acne vulgaris, hidradenitis supprativa, acanthosis nigricans, psoriasis, melanoma and eruptive xanthomas. The clinical application of metformin in the treatment of skin diseases is reviewed. 

Key words: metformin, skin diseases