Acanthosis Nigricans – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Acanthosis Nigricans – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments of this condition. Additionally, Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition  characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in folds and creases of the body. The affected skin  may become thickened. Most often,  Acanthosis Nigricans  affects the armpits, groin, and neck.

Skin changes from Acanthosis Nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) usually occur in people who are obese or have diabetes. Children who develop the condition are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes .

Rarely, Acanthosis Nigricans can be a warning sign of a cancerous tumor in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver . No specific treatment is available for Acanthosis Nigricans . Treating the underlying conditions can restore some of the normal color and texture to the affected areas of skin . So, check out now  Acanthosis Nigricans – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments:

What it is:  Acanthosis Nigricans is a rare skin disease characterized by hyperkeratosis (excess keratin) and hyperpigmentation (gray, thickened lesions that give a warty appearance).

It is often associated with obesity and endocrinopathies, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, polycystic ovarian disease, insulin-resistant diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and Cushing’s syndrome.

Although it can occur anywhere on the body surface, the most affected area is the posterior region of the neck, followed by the armpits, lateral face of the neck, flexor surfaces of the limbs, periumbilical, inframammary region, oral mucosa or even, in rare cases, plantar feet and palms.

Causes:  Acanthosis  Nigricans is usually the result of obesity. This is known as obesity acanthosis nigricans. It occurs because obesity can cause insulin resistance (when the body is unable to properly use the hormone insulin), which can lead to high levels of insulin in the blood, affecting skin cells .

Insulin resistance can also cause type 2 diabetes , so acanthosis nigricans can be an early sign that you have diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease. Other causes of  Acanthosis Nigricans  include:

• Insulin resistance. Most people who have Acanthosis Nigricans have also become insulin resistant. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows your body to process sugar. Insulin resistance is what eventually causes type 2 diabetes .
• Hormonal disorders. Acanthosis Nigricans usually occurs in people who have disorders such as ovarian cysts, underactive thyroid , or problems with the adrenal glands.
• Certain drugs and supplements. High doses of niacin, birth control pills, prednisone and other corticosteroids can cause Acanthosis Nigricans .
• Cancer. Acanthosis nigricans  sometimes occurs with lymphoma or when a cancerous tumor starts to grow in an internal organ, such as the stomach, colon, or liver .

Symptoms:  Skin changes are the only signs of Acanthosis Nigricans . You’ll notice dark, thickened, velvety skin  in the folds and creases of your body – typically in your armpits, groin, and back of your neck. Skin changes usually appear slowly. The affected skin  may also have an odor or itchiness.

When to See a Doctor:  See your doctor if you notice changes in your skin  – especially if the changes come on suddenly. You may have an underlying condition that needs treatment.

Risk Factors:  Risk factors for Acanthosis Nigricans include:

• Obesity. The heavier you are, the greater your risk of Acanthosis Nigricans .
• Race. Studies show that, in Brazil, acanthosis nigrice is more common among Native Americans.
• Family history. Some types of Acanthosis Nigricans appear to be hereditary.

Complications:  People who have acanthosis nigricans are much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes .

Diagnosis:  Acanthosis Nigricans is typically detected during a skin exam. Rarely, a small sample of skin  is removed (biopsied) for laboratory testing. If the cause of acanthosis is unclear, your doctor may recommend blood tests, X-rays, or other tests to look for possible underlying causes.

Treatments:  In many situations, treating  Acanthosis Nigricans the underlying problem can help to fade the discoloration. Examples may include:

• Losing weight. If your acanthosis is caused by obesity, weight loss can help.
• Stopping medications or supplements. If your condition appears to be related to a medication or supplement you use, your doctor may suggest that you stop using that substance.
• Have surgery. If Acanthosis Nigricans was triggered by a cancerous tumor, surgical removal of the tumor usually lightens the skin discoloration .

If you’re concerned about the way your skin looks,  or if the lesions become uncomfortable or start to smell, your doctor may suggest:

• Prescription creams to soothe or soothe affected areas
• Antibacterial soaps, used with care, as the smear can make the condition worse
• Topical antibiotic
• Oral acne medications
• Laser therapy to reduce skin thickness .