What You Need To Know About Acanthosis Nigricans
Reviewed by, Kaedoc Medical Team
Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck.
Symptoms
Acanthosis Nigricans usually develops slow and eventually, dark, velvety skin with very visible markings and creases appears in the armpits, groin and neck folds, and over the joints of the fingers and toes.
Signs of Acanthosis Nigricans:
Causes
Insulin resistance
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows the body to process sugar. Insulin resistance leads to elevated insulin blood levels. Conditions associated with elevated insulin blood levels such as obesity, prediabetes, diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) might be a factor in why acanthosis nigricans develops.
Genetics
Have a family history of acanthosis nigricans
Certain medications
Medications such birth control pills or steriods
Cancer
Certain cancers such as cancers of the lymphoma, digestive system, liver, kidney, bladder.
Hormonal Conditions
Underactive thyroid, addison's disease, pituitary disorders.
Risk Factors
You're at an increased risk of developing acanthosis nigricans when you have more of the following risk factors:
Diagnosis
Acanthosis nigricans diagnosis is done by assessment of your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam or virtual inspection by a healthcare provider. Other ways to diagnose include a blood test to help confirm or rule-out underlying conditions such as diabetes. In rare caes, a doctor may want to take a small piece of your skin (biopsy).
Treatment
Acanthosis nigricans will not go away on it's own and you don't necessarily always need treatment. Acanthosis nigricans only causes changes to the skin color. If the condition is affecting your apperance the dermatologist will help you devise best long-term treatment plan for your skin.
It is important to treat any underlying medical problem that may be causing these skin changes. If for example acanthosis nigricans is related to obesity, losing weight often improves the condition.
Prescription Topical Medications
Topical prescription medications are the mainstay of pigmentation treatment. Depending on what your healthcare provider decides is best for you, you may be prescribed:
Procedural Treatments
In some cases, in-office procedures may be used to treat melasma. These are often used alongside other topical treatments.
References
- 1. Dinulos JGH. Cutaneous manifestations of internal disease. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 26.
- 2. Patterson JW. Miscellaneous conditions. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 20.
- 3. American Academy of Dermatology. Acanthosis Nigricans: An Overview Accessed 11/9/2021.
- 4. National Association for Rare Disorders. Acanthosis Nigricans Accessed 11/9/2021.