Acanthosis Nigricans

Admin — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:16:21 +0000

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.

Skin Disorders

Admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:05:37 +0000

Your skin, or epidermis, is the largest organ of your body. It weighs between six and nine pounds and has a surface area of about 2 square yards. The skin acts as a barrier, separating and protecting your internal organs from the outside world. This includes protecting you from viruses and bacteria, regulating your internal body temperature and allowing you to feel and know the difference between hot/cold and wet/dry.

Certain conditions that cause irritation or inflammation can affect your skin in negative ways. Certain diseases, hereditary conditions, irritants, allergies and immune disorders can cause hives and other skin disorders. Symptoms of skin disorders generally include burning, itching, redness and swelling.

Skin-Disorders.Org

Acanthosis Nigricans

Skin Disorders