Symptoms and treatment of Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans
Description
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes areas of dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck.
Acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) tends to affect people with obesity. Rarely, the condition of the skin can be a sign of cancer in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver.
The treatment of the cause of acanthosis nigricans can restore the normal color and texture of the skin.
Symsymptoms
The main sign of the acanthosis nigricans is dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. Often appears in armpits, the groin and the back of the neck. It develops slowly. The affected skin may be itchy, has a smell and to develop skin tags.
When to see a doctor
Consult your health care provider if you notice changes in your skin — especially if the changes are sudden. You may have an underlying condition that requires treatment.
Causes
Acanthosis nigricans may be related to:
- The insulin resistance. Most people who have acanthosis nigricans have also become resistant to the insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows the body to process sugar. The insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is also related to the polycystic ovary syndrome and could be a factor by which the acanthosis nigricans develops.
- Certain medications and supplements. High doses of niacin, birth control pills, prednisone and other corticosteroids can cause acanthosis nigricans.
- Cancer. Some types of cancer of the cause of the acanthosis nigricans. These include lymphoma, and cancer of stomach, colon and liver.
Risk factors
The risk of acanthosis nigricans is greater in people who have obesity. The risk is also greater in people with a family history of the disease, espeespecially in families where obesity and type 2 diabetes are also common.
Complications
People who have acanthosis nigricans are much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Acanthosis nigricans
Diagnosis
Acanthosis nigricans can be detected during an examination of the skin. To make sure of the diagnosis, the doctor may take a skin sample (biopsy) to examine under a microscope. Or you may need other tests to find out what is causing your symptoms.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the acantho- sis nigricans. Your health care provider may suggest treatments to help with the pain and the smell, such as skin creams, special soaps, medications, and laser therapy.
The treatment of the underlying cause can help. Examples include:
- To lose weight. If the acanthosis nigricans is caused by obesity, nutritional counseling and weight loss can help.
- Stop the drugs. If your condition seems to be related to a medication or supplement you use, your health care provider may suggest that you stop using that substance.
- Surgery. If acanthosis nigricans was caused by a cancerous tumor, surgery to remove the tumor often eliminates the symptoms of the skin.
Preparing for your appointment
It is likely to start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you may be referred to a physician specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) or hormonal problems (endocrinologist). Because appointments can be brief and there's often a lot to discuss, it is a good idea to prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
Before your appointment, you may want to list of answers to the following questions:
- Anyone in your family have had these symptoms in the skin?
- Does diabetes run in your family?
- Have you ever had problems with the ovaries, the adrenal glands or the thyroid?
- What medications and supplements you take on a regular basis?
- Have you ever had to take high doses of prednisone for more than a week?
What to expect from your doctor
Your health care provider is likely to ask you questions, such as the following:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- Have gotten worse?
- What parts of the body are affected?
- Have you ever had cancer?
