Skip to content

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a Doctor. The most notable sign of Acanthosis nigricans is dark patches of skin with a thick, velvety texture. The affected areas of the skin may also itch or have an odour.

These patches may appear on skin folds and other areas, such as the: armpits, groin, neck, elbows, knees, knuckles, lips, palms, and soles of the feet.

It may be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as prediabetes. The most effective treatments focus on finding and resolving medical conditions at the root of the problem. These skin patches tend to disappear after successfully treating the root condition.

Who is at risk?

Acanthosis nigricans is seen in both men and women. It is most common in those who are overweight, have darker skin, and have diabetes or prediabetic conditions. Children who develop it are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The frequency varies between ethnic groups. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people of African, Caribbean, or Hispanic descent are also at an increased risk. All ethnic groups are equally at risk of Acanthosis nigricans when body mass index (BMI) is well above normal.

 

Key facts 

  1. Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.
  2. AN can affect otherwise healthy people. It can also be related to medical problems, such as:
    Hormone disorders, such as diabetes, obesity.
    Cancer, such as cancer of the digestive system, liver, kidney, bladder, or lymphoma

  3.  Some medicines, including hormones such as human growth hormone or birth control pills.
  4. Usually, it requires no treatment but maintaining a healthy BMI and diet help the condition to go away. 

Share

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on whatsapp
Start a conversation

No comment yet, add your voice below!


Add a Comment

Be proactive about your health.

Get weekly health updates, tips and other helpful information from Doctall

Worried or unsure about
incessant headache?

Browse through health facts on 50+ common diseases

Get the latest health-related tips and information from Doctall Living, our Lifestyle blog

  • Health Articles
  • Nutrition & Fitnesss
  • Lifestyle
  • Chronic Conditions
  • Doctalks

Be the first to find out what’s new on Doctallpedia

[wd_hustle id="1" type="embedded"/]

Worried or unsure about incessant headaches?

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a Doctor. The most notable sign of Acanthosis nigricans is dark patches of skin with a thick, velvety texture. The affected areas of the skin may also itch or have an odour.

These patches may appear on skin folds and other areas, such as the: armpits, groin, neck, elbows, knees, knuckles, lips, palms, and soles of the feet.

It may be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as prediabetes. The most effective treatments focus on finding and resolving medical conditions at the root of the problem. These skin patches tend to disappear after successfully treating the root condition.

Who is at risk?

Acanthosis nigricans is seen in both men and women. It is most common in those who are overweight, have darker skin, and have diabetes or prediabetic conditions. Children who develop it are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The frequency varies between ethnic groups. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people of African, Caribbean, or Hispanic descent are also at an increased risk. All ethnic groups are equally at risk of Acanthosis nigricans when body mass index (BMI) is well above normal.

 

Key facts 

  1. Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.
  2. AN can affect otherwise healthy people. It can also be related to medical problems, such as:
    Hormone disorders, such as diabetes, obesity.
    Cancer, such as cancer of the digestive system, liver, kidney, bladder, or lymphoma

  3.  Some medicines, including hormones such as human growth hormone or birth control pills.
  4. Usually, it requires no treatment but maintaining a healthy BMI and diet help the condition to go away. 

Share

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on whatsapp
Start a conversation

Important Notice

Doctallpedia is ONLY a resource center with information on the symptoms, prevention and treatment of common health problems. Doctallpedia should not be a substitute for proper diagnosis, consultation or medical advice from a doctor or other licensed medical practitioners. The information provided on Doctallpedia are based on available data and is solely for reading and general knowledge. External website links and videos are not the property of Doctall and are only provided for further reading. Information on Doctallpedia should NOT be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for proper medical care.

In the event of similar symptoms, kindly book an appointment to see a certified professional for medical advice.


Below is a list of sources referenced in the Health Facts for additional reading:

Doctall has collated the information contained within this factsheet from several reputable sources listed here