Acanthosis nigricans is a common skin condition that causes the skin to become thicker and darker. It usually affects the back of your neck or other body folds, such as your armpits.
Acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as prediabetes or diabetes. It can also be caused by obesity, certain medications or drugs, and hormonal disorders.
Acanthosis nigricans usually isn’t painful or itchy. But some people may find the thickened skin embarrassing and uncomfortable.
You can treat acanthosis nigricans with topical creams and prescription medication. Losing weight and controlling your blood sugar levels can also help improve symptoms.
Acanthosis nigricans is considered a cosmetic problem and may not need treatment in some cases. However, if you have acanthosis nigricans you should see your doctor to rule out any underlying health problems that might be causing it.
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. The affected skin may become thickened. Most often, acanthosis nigricans affects your armpits, groin and neck.
Although acanthosis nigricans is harmless, some underlying causes are serious medical conditions that require treatment.
Acanthosis nigricans usually begins in childhood. Often it’s associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Though it typically doesn’t cause physical discomfort or health problems, the appearance of the darkened, thickened skin can be distressing.
Treatment for acanthosis nigricans depends on its cause. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight may help reduce symptoms. For some people, medications that improve insulin resistance can help improve acanthosis nigricans symptoms as well. In severe cases where these treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be an option to remove the affected skin.
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition characterized by velvety, thickened, darkly pigmented skin. The color of the pigment can vary from gray to black. AN is commonly seen in skin folds and creases such as the armpits, groin, neck and under the breasts.
The cause of acanthosis nigricans is unknown although it is associated with obesity, certain hormones and some medications including birth control pills. Many cases of acanthosis nigricans are idiopathic, which means that no known cause can be found.
Acanthosis nigricans may occur at any age but is most common after puberty. AN can occur on its own or it can occur in association with other conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and Addison’s disease. AN may also be a marker for internal malignancy, especially gastrointestinal cancer.
The treatment of acanthosis nigricans is directed toward the underlying cause if one can be identified. If AN occurs on its own with no associated illness or medication as the cause, no treatment may be necessary since it is benign and not a threat to health (although it may be cosmetically undesirable).
If an underlying medical condition is
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. The affected skin may also thicken. Acanthosis nigricans typically affects body areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin and neck. It can occur in people of all ages and races, but it most commonly affects adolescents.
Acanthosis nigricans usually indicates a problem with insulin regulation, often pre-diabetes or diabetes. Obesity is another possible cause of this condition. Some cases are genetic. In rare circumstances, acanthosis nigricans may be associated with certain types of cancer, including lymphoma and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
In some cases, acanthosis nigricans will improve on its own or with topical treatments for minor cases. Severe cases may require treatment for the underlying condition to improve the signs and symptoms of acanthosis nigricans.
Acanthosis nigricans is a benign, but cosmetically disfiguring skin condition characterized by brown-to-black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin.
The lesions usually occur in body folds, particularly the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the axillae, groin, umbilicus, and forehead. They may also be found on the knuckles, lips, perioral area and mucous membranes. The areas most affected are those subjected to friction and irritation. Lesions often appear symmetrically on both sides of the body. Acanthosis nigricans is commonly seen in persons who are obese or have type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin disorder that causes the skin to become darker in color and thicken in texture. Acanthosis Nigricans is more common in people who are overweight or obese. The darkening of the skin is caused by an overproduction of melanin, which can be triggered by hormonal changes, insulin resistance (diabetes), medications and other medical conditions.
Acanthosis Nigricans can affect both men and women and appear at any age, but typically occurs between puberty and middle age. Acanthosis Nigricans commonly develops on the back of the neck, underarms, elbows, knees, knuckles or groin area. As Acanthosis Nigricans progresses, the skin may thicken to form wart-like growths that can tear or bleed.
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. The affected skin can become thickened. Most often, acanthosis nigricans affects your armpits, groin and neck.
In some cases, acanthosis nigricans indicates an underlying medical condition, most commonly insulin resistance. This condition is associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Acanthosis nigricans often improves with treatment of the underlying disorder.
The cause of acanthosis nigricans is unknown. But it’s associated with obesity and a family history of type 2 diabetes, which suggests that insulin resistance may play a role in the development of this skin condition.
Acanthosis nigricans usually first appears in people who are otherwise healthy children or young adults. It’s more common among African-Americans than among whites.
Acanthosis nigricans can also affect people who aren’t overweight or who don’t have diabetes — but it’s less common in those circumstances.