What Causes Darkened Thickened Skin

What Is Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans (pronounced: ah-kan-THO-sis NY-gruh-kans) is a skin condition. Information technology causes thicker and darker patches or streaks, commonly in skin creases and folds, such every bit the sides and back of the cervix, armpits, elbow pits, and groin. But it tin can evidence up anywhere on the body. Information technology may look velvety or warty, or have a dirty appearance.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans appears gradually with dark, velvety patches of peel in trunk creases and folds, normally in the neck, armpits, or groin. It can exist found on other parts of the body, including the face, chest, elbows, knees, and duke. It can cause mild itching, just this is uncommon.

What Causes Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans is most commonly caused by high blood insulin levels, a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is seen in people who are overweight or obese, and makes them more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. It is also associated with other endocrine atmospheric condition, such equally polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Sometimes, acanthosis nigricans can exist hereditary (passed on to a person by their parents) or part of a genetic syndrome. It can exist acquired by medicines, such every bit oral contraceptives or steroids.

How Is Acanthosis Nigricans Diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose acanthosis nigricans by looking at the affected peel.

Acanthosis nigricans itself isn't harmful or contagious. But information technology tin be a sign that a person is at risk for diabetes. And then the physician may order blood tests to look for diabetes or other conditions associated with it.

How Is Acanthosis Nigricans Treated?

Treating the underlying cause of acanthosis nigricans can make the nighttime patches of skin fade or even disappear. This can hateful stopping whatever medicine that'south causing the problem or treating diabetes and other health conditions.

Losing weight volition help acanthosis nigricans fade. If you're concerned nigh your weight, talk to your doctor before going on a diet.

Doctors may prescribe creams or lotions that can assistance lighten the pare. Just most of the fourth dimension, acanthosis nigricans doesn't need treatment.

What Else Should I Know?

Pare areas with acanthosis nigricans tin can await dirty, merely they're not. Scrubbing the skin does not assist and tin irritate it. Gently clean the skin and don't apply bleaches, pare scrubs, or over-the-counter exfoliating treatments.

Eating a healthy nutrition and getting regular physical activity can help lower insulin levels and improve pare appearance. Information technology tin help to: