Acanthosis nigricans: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is acanthosis nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin pigmentation disorder characterized by the appearance of dark, velvety areas on the folds of the body. The affected skin may thicken. Often times, acanthosis nigricans affects the armpits, groin (groin), and neck.

This condition usually occurs in people who are obese or diabetic. Children who have this condition are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Although rare, this condition can also be a sign of cancerous tumors in internal organs, such as the stomach or liver.

Acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as prediabetes. The most effective treatment is to focus on the root of the problem. This condition tends to disappear after addressing the cause.

How common is acanthosis nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans is very common and can occur in patients of any age. This skin pigmentation disorder can be treated by reducing the factors that trigger it. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of acanthosis nigricans?

The main symptom and characteristic of acanthosis nigricans is discoloration of the skin. The changes in the skin are usually seen slowly. The affected skin may also smell or itch. Usually, this skin discoloration will appear in skin folds and other areas of the body, including:

• Armpit
• The crease of the thigh
• The back of the neck
• Elbow
• Knee
• Knuckles
• Lip
• Palm
• Soles of the feet

There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes acanthosis nigricans?

This skin discoloration condition has been linked to:

• Insulin resistance. Most people with acanthosis nigricans have become resistant to insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps the body process sugar. Insulin resistance usually causes type 2 diabetes.
• Hormonal disorders. Acanthosis nigricans often occurs in people with disorders, such as ovarian cysts, underactive thyroid, or problems with the adrenal glands.
• Certain drugs and supplements. Niacin, birth control pills, growth hormone, thyroid drugs, body building supplements, prednisone, and other corticosteroids in high doses can cause this skin discoloration.
• Cancer. Acanthosis nigricans also sometimes occurs with lymphoma or when a cancerous tumor begins to grow in internal organs, such as the stomach, colon, or liver.
  

Triggers

What increases my risk for acanthosis nigricans?

There are many risk factors for this condition, including:

• Obesity. The heavier you are, the higher your risk of acanthosis nigricans.
• Family history. Some types of acanthosis nigricans are inherited
  

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

This skin pigmentation disorder is usually detected during skin examination. A skin biopsy will be examined to rule out other possible causes. If the cause is not clear, the doctor may recommend blood tests, X-rays, blood glucose tests, or tests fasting insulin. Your doctor can also see if there are any triggering factors in your medication.

It is important to tell your doctor about any dietary, vitamin or body building supplements you are taking in addition to prescription medications.

How is the treatment?

There is no specific treatment available for this skin pigmentation disorder that is commonly triggered by insulin resistance. The treatment that is done is to focus on the cause of the occurrence. Treating the cause can restore normal color and texture to the affected skin area. Example:

• Weight loss. If the change in your skin color is caused by obesity, losing weight is the solution.
• Discontinue medication or supplements. If your condition is related to the medications or supplements you are using, your doctor may recommend stopping the use of these substances.
• Doing operation. When acanthosis nigricans is triggered by a tumor that is cancerous, surgical removal of the tumor can often resolve the discoloration (discoloration) of the skin.

If you are bothered by the appearance of your skin or if the wound feels uncomfortable and starts to smell bad, your doctor may recommend using:

• Antibacterial soap, use slowly because scrub can worsen the condition
• Topical / ointment antibiotics
• Oral acne medication
• Laser therapy to reduce skin thickness

Other treatments to improve the appearance of skin include Retin-A, 20% urea, alpha hydroxyacids, topical vitamin D and the prescription drug salicylic acid. However, these treatments are of little help.

Acanthosis nigricans caused by drugs will disappear once treatment is stopped.

Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat acanthosis nigricans?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with the discoloration of the skin as a result of this condition:

• Consistently live a healthy lifestyle
• Lose weight
• Adjust your diet
• Avoid medications that are likely to cause or worsen the condition