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
- Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.
- 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 - Some medicines, including hormones such as human growth hormone or birth control pills.
- Usually, it requires no treatment but maintaining a healthy BMI and diet help the condition to go away.
Symptoms
Acanthosis nigricans is easy to recognize by sight. Your doctor may want to check for diabetes or insulin resistance as the cause. These tests may include blood glucose tests or fasting insulin tests. Your doctor may also review your medications to see if they are a contributing factor.
It is important to tell your doctor about any dietary supplements, vitamins, or bodybuilding supplements you may be taking in addition to your prescription medications.
In rare cases, your doctor may perform other tests, such as a small skin biopsy, to rule out other possible causes.
Causes
Acanthosis nigricans skin patches occur when epidermal skin cells begin to reproduce rapidly. This abnormal skin cell growth is most commonly triggered by high levels of insulin in the blood. In rare cases, the increase in skin cells may be caused by medications, cancer, or other medical conditions.
Too much insulin
The most frequent trigger for Acanthosis nigricans is too much insulin in your bloodstream. When you eat, your body converts carbohydrates into sugar molecules such as glucose. Some of this glucose is used for energy in your cells while the rest is stored. The hormone insulin must allow glucose to enter cells so that the cells can use glucose for energy.
Overweight people tend to develop resistance to insulin over time. Although the pancreas is making insulin, the body cannot use it properly. This creates a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream, which can result in high levels of both blood glucose and insulin in your bloodstream.
Excess insulin causes normal skin cells to reproduce at a rapid rate. For those with dark skin, these new cells have more melanin. This increase in melanin produces a patch of skin that is darker than the skin surrounding it. Thus, the presence of Acanthosis nigricans is a strong predictor of future diabetes. If too much insulin is indeed the cause, it is relatively easy to correct with proper diet, exercise, and blood sugar control.
Medications
Acanthosis nigricans can also be triggered by certain medications such as birth control pills, human growth hormones, thyroid medications, and even some bodybuilding supplements. All of these medications can cause changes in insulin levels. Medications used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy have also been linked to Acanthosis nigricans. In most cases, the condition clears up when the medications are discontinued.
Other potential causes
In rare cases, Acanthosis nigricans can be caused by:
- stomach cancer, or gastric adenocarcinoma
- adrenal gland disorders, such as Addison’s disease
- disorders of the pituitary gland
- low levels of thyroid hormones
- high doses of niacin
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can usually prevent Acanthosis nigricans. Losing weight, controlling your diet, and adjusting any medications that are contributing to the condition are all crucial steps. Healthier lifestyle choices will also reduce your risks for many other types of illnesses.
Acanthosis nigricans is not a disease. It is a symptom of another condition that may require medical attention. Treatment is largely focused on addressing the condition that is causing it. If you are overweight, your doctor will advise you to lose weight. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help bring your blood glucose under control.
If the condition is caused by medications or supplements, your doctor may have you discontinue them or suggest substitutes. The discoloured skin patches will usually fade when you find the cause and get it under control.
Cosmetic treatments
If you are concerned with the appearance of your affected skin, there are cosmetic treatments available. Treatments include:
- skin lighteners, like Retin-A, 20 per cent urea, alpha hydroxy acids, and salicylic acid
- antibacterial soaps
- oral acne medications
- laser therapy
These treatments can improve the appearance of Acanthosis nigricans but will not cure the condition.
It is important to treat any underlying medical problem that may be causing these skin changes. When Acanthosis nigricans is related to obesity, losing weight often improves the condition. It often disappears if the cause can be found and treated.
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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
- Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.
- 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 - Some medicines, including hormones such as human growth hormone or birth control pills.
- Usually, it requires no treatment but maintaining a healthy BMI and diet help the condition to go away.
Symptoms
Acanthosis nigricans is easy to recognize by sight. Your doctor may want to check for diabetes or insulin resistance as the cause. These tests may include blood glucose tests or fasting insulin tests. Your doctor may also review your medications to see if they are a contributing factor.
It is important to tell your doctor about any dietary supplements, vitamins, or bodybuilding supplements you may be taking in addition to your prescription medications.
In rare cases, your doctor may perform other tests, such as a small skin biopsy, to rule out other possible causes.
Causes
Acanthosis nigricans skin patches occur when epidermal skin cells begin to reproduce rapidly. This abnormal skin cell growth is most commonly triggered by high levels of insulin in the blood. In rare cases, the increase in skin cells may be caused by medications, cancer, or other medical conditions.
Too much insulin
The most frequent trigger for Acanthosis nigricans is too much insulin in your bloodstream. When you eat, your body converts carbohydrates into sugar molecules such as glucose. Some of this glucose is used for energy in your cells while the rest is stored. The hormone insulin must allow glucose to enter cells so that the cells can use glucose for energy.
Overweight people tend to develop resistance to insulin over time. Although the pancreas is making insulin, the body cannot use it properly. This creates a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream, which can result in high levels of both blood glucose and insulin in your bloodstream.
Excess insulin causes normal skin cells to reproduce at a rapid rate. For those with dark skin, these new cells have more melanin. This increase in melanin produces a patch of skin that is darker than the skin surrounding it. Thus, the presence of Acanthosis nigricans is a strong predictor of future diabetes. If too much insulin is indeed the cause, it is relatively easy to correct with proper diet, exercise, and blood sugar control.
Medications
Acanthosis nigricans can also be triggered by certain medications such as birth control pills, human growth hormones, thyroid medications, and even some bodybuilding supplements. All of these medications can cause changes in insulin levels. Medications used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy have also been linked to Acanthosis nigricans. In most cases, the condition clears up when the medications are discontinued.
Other potential causes
In rare cases, Acanthosis nigricans can be caused by:
- stomach cancer, or gastric adenocarcinoma
- adrenal gland disorders, such as Addison’s disease
- disorders of the pituitary gland
- low levels of thyroid hormones
- high doses of niacin
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can usually prevent Acanthosis nigricans. Losing weight, controlling your diet, and adjusting any medications that are contributing to the condition are all crucial steps. Healthier lifestyle choices will also reduce your risks for many other types of illnesses.
Acanthosis nigricans is not a disease. It is a symptom of another condition that may require medical attention. Treatment is largely focused on addressing the condition that is causing it. If you are overweight, your doctor will advise you to lose weight. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help bring your blood glucose under control.
If the condition is caused by medications or supplements, your doctor may have you discontinue them or suggest substitutes. The discoloured skin patches will usually fade when you find the cause and get it under control.
Cosmetic treatments
If you are concerned with the appearance of your affected skin, there are cosmetic treatments available. Treatments include:
- skin lighteners, like Retin-A, 20 per cent urea, alpha hydroxy acids, and salicylic acid
- antibacterial soaps
- oral acne medications
- laser therapy
These treatments can improve the appearance of Acanthosis nigricans but will not cure the condition.
It is important to treat any underlying medical problem that may be causing these skin changes. When Acanthosis nigricans is related to obesity, losing weight often improves the condition. It often disappears if the cause can be found and treated.
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