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Acanthosis Nigricans:

Skin Conditions, Uncategorized / By

Acanthosis Nigricans

  • Acanthosis Nigricans is a difficult name to learn, but it is a highly common skin pigmentation disorder.
  • In acanthosis nigricans, the skin gains a dark texture and becomes thick and velvety.
  • These parts of the skin may also have an odour and itch.
  • Acanthosis nigricans typically implies the presence of another, more serious health problem, which has to be found for this skin condition to be treated.
  • Prediabetes is one common cause of this skin condition.

Where is Acanthosis Nigricans Found?

  • The dark, thick patches caused by acanthosis nigricans are often found on skin folds and usually occur on these areas of the body:
  • The groin,
  • Armpits,
  • The neck,
  • The elbows,
  • The knuckles,
  • Knees,
  • Palms,
  • Lips,
  • Soles of the feet

Who is at Risk from Acanthosis Nigricans?

  • Acanthosis nigricans occurs impartially in both men and women.
  • It is found more commonly among people with darker skin, people who are overweight, and those with prediabetic conditions.
  • Moreover, children who face this skin condition are highly likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • However, the incidence of acanthosis nigricans does vary between ethnicities.
  • People with African, Hispanic, or Caribbean ethnicities are more likely to develop this condition under normal circumstances.
  • But every ethnicity is equally at risk when the body mass index (BMI) exceeds normal levels by a significant amount.

Causes

  • This skin condition occurs when the skin’s epidermis cells reproduce rapidly, forming uneven, tough clumps of skin.
  • The most common cause for this is the presence of too much insulin.
  • Insulin is an essential hormone that helps cells take in the blood glucose and use it for energy.
  • Having too much insulin in your bloodstream can cause your cells to reproduce much more rapidly.
  • For people with darker complexions, the new skin cells will be filled with melanin.
  • The excess clumping of melanin creates dark patches on the skin.
  • Because of this, acanthosis nigricans often indicates the development of diabetes.
  • Another common cause is medications that increase insulin levels in the body.
  • This includes human growth hormones, birth control pills, and thyroid medication.
  • Bodybuilding supplements can cause an increase in insulin levels as well.
  • Furthermore, medicines that help ease chemotherapy side effects can also cause acanthosis nigricans.
  • There are several other medical problems believed to cause this skin condition, such as stomach cancer and adrenal gland disorders.
  • However, most cases result from the overproduction of insulin, whether naturally or due to medication.

Diagnosis

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

 

Treatment

  • The most common thing to do after you’ve developed acanthosis nigricans is to keep your blood glucose levels under control.
  • Your doctor might prescribe you the appropriate drugs for that.
  • If you’re overweight, you will have to lose weight.
  • Treatment of the condition typically involves identifying what is causing it.
  • The underlying disease is treated, which also helps you get rid of acanthosis nigricans.
  • You can also use cosmetics such as skin lighteners or antibacterial soap.
  • To prevent this skin condition from developing, you need to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
  • Losing weight and keeping your blood glucose under control can help you do that.