Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin disorder that causes thick, dark velvety patches of skin the folds and creases of the body. Acanthosis Nigricans is usually related to medical problems, but may also occur in healthy people. Acanthosis Nigricans can even be inherited genetically. It is most common among people of African descent, mostly because it’s more visible on darker skin. A health care professional can usually diagnose Acanthosis Nigricans just by examining the skin, however, a biopsy may be ordered for unusual cases. You may need to have tests such as blood tests or xrays if no clear cause for Acanthosis Nigricans is found.
Acanthosis Nigricans Symptoms
- Appears slowly and only affects the skin
- Over time, the skin in the groin, armpits, folds of the neck, and joints of the fingers and toes will develop a dark, velvety skin with very prominent creases and markings.
- In some cases, other areas may be affected, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and lips. These areas are more common for people with cancer.
What Causes Acanthosis Nigricans?
- Obesity is also a cause of Acanthosis Nigricans, as well as some endocrine disorders. It often occurs with type 2 diabetes.
- Certain drugs like birth control pills or other hormone treatments can cause Acanthosis Nigricans.
- Severe forms of Acanthosis Nigricans are usually seen in people with lymphoma or genitourinary tract/gastrointestinal cancers.
Treatment for Acanthosis Nigricans
No treatment is usually needed for Acanthosis Nigricans because it only changes the skins appearance. However, it is very important to treat the underlying cause that is causing the skin changes.