Acanthosis Nigricans

What is Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a disorder in which dark, velvety markings appear on the skin.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

  • A hormonal or glandular disorder, such as diabetes.
  • Obesity.
  • Certain medicines, such as birth control pills.
  • A tumor. (This is rare.)

Some people inherit the condition from their parents.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

  • People who have a hormonal or glandular disorder.
  • People who are overweight.
  • People who take certain medicines.
  • People who have certain cancers, especially stomach cancer.
  • People who have dark-colored skin (dark complexion).

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of this condition is velvety markings on the skin that are light brown, black, or grayish in color. The markings usually appear on the face, neck, armpits, inner thighs, and groin. In severe cases, markings may also appear on the lips, hands, breasts, eyelids, and mouth.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on symptoms. Sometimes, a skin sample is taken for testing (skin biopsy). You may also have tests to help determine the cause of the condition.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the cause. Treatment may involve reducing insulin levels, which are often high in people who have this condition. Insulin levels can be reduced with:

  • Dietary changes, such as avoiding starchy foods and sugars.
  • Losing weight.
  • Medicines.

Sometimes, treatment involves:

  • Medicines to improve the appearance of the skin.
  • Laser treatment to improve the appearance of the skin.
  • Surgical removal of the skin markings (dermabrasion).

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Follow diet instructions from your health care provider.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • The skin markings do not go away with treatment.
  • New skin markings develop on a part of the body where they rarely develop, such as on your lips, hands, breasts, eyelids, or mouth.
  • The condition recurs for an unknown reason.
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