What is Acanthosis Nigricans?
It is a skin condition characterized by dark, thickened and velvety texture. They appear in body folds and creases such as
- Neck
- Armpits
- Groin
- Hands
- Elbows
- Knees
The affected areas of your skin may also itch or have an odour.
Reasons for Acanthosis Nigricans?
1.Insulin Resistance: The most common cause, often linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
2.Hormonal disorders: Conditions like
- PCOS
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s disease
3.Genetic: Some people inherit a predisposition to develop this condition.
4.Medications: Few drugs that trigger acanthosis nigricans are
- Nicotinic acid
- Insulin
- Corticosteroids
- Birth pills
- Estrogen
- Human growth hormones
- Protease inhibitors
- Thyroid medications
- Some body building supplements
5.Cancer: Rarely, acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of an underlying malignancy, particularly gastrointestinal tumors.
6.Autoimmune disorders: Like
- Sjogren’s disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Symptoms
- Darkened areas of skin with a thick and velvety texture.
- Possible itching or odour in the affected areas
- Gradual development, through rapid onset can occur in some cases
Diagnosis
- Skin appearance on examination
- Skin biopsy for confirmation
- Blood investigations to check diabetes, or any hormonal imbalances
Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans
- Treating the underlying condition, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism etc. often improves skin changes
- Weight loss: In obesity, just by weight reduction can see significant improvement.
- Oral drugs: Metformin can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the symptoms.
- Topical creams: Retinoids, 20% urea, Alpha Hydroxy Acids lighten the affected skin.
- Cosmetic treatment:
- Serum infusion
- Dermabrasion
- Chemical peels with salicylic acid
- IPL
- AR Lasers
Preventive measures:
- Weight management by balanced diet, regular exercise and healthy life style
- Regular medical check up to control underlying disease
- Avoiding drugs causing Acanthosis Nigricans
FAQ’S
Treating the underlying causes. Topical creams for skin lightening. Lasers and chemical peels.
Is a skin condition, presents with hyperpigmented and vevety skin changes in the intertriginous areas. The intertriginous areas are susceptible to superficial fungal infections.
10% salicylic acid in adults.
Commonly in < 40 years in both male and female.
The skin area affected looks like that, but its not a dirty disease.
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