Acanthosis Nigricans: Acanthosis nigricans is a skin ailment characterized by hyperpigmentation and thickening of the skin, happening chiefly in the folds of the skin in the armpit (axilla), groin and back of the neck. Acanthosis nigricans is begun at any age. It creates velvety, light-brown-to-black, recognizing customarily on the neck, under the arms or in the groin. Acanthosis nigricans is usual frequently associated with obesity.
Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans
A variety of medical factors can induce acanthosis nigricans. Though, it can also develop in otherwise healthy individuals. It is commonly found in people with diabetes or a tendency towards diabetes and is most common among people of African descent. There are various other possible reasons for acanthosis nigricans, including:
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Certain drugs and supplements- Acanthosis nigricans are also sometimes triggered by corticosteroids, prednisone, insulin, High-dosages niacin and hormone treatments such as human growth hormone or the contraceptive pill.
- Hormonal disorders-It often occurs(Acanthosis nigricans) in people who have dysfunctions such as ovarian cysts, underactive thyroids or problems with the adrenal glands.
- Cancer- Acanthosis nigricans also sometimes occurs with lymphoma or If the dark skin patches come on suddenly and spread quickly, it may be a sign you have cancer (usually stomach cancer). This is known as malignant acanthosis nigricans.
- Genes
In rare cases, caused by a faulty gene inherited directly from your parents. This is known as familial or benign genetic acanthosis nigricans.
Signs and Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans may manifest with thickened, velvety, comparatively darker areas of skin on the neck, armpit and in the skin folds.
Diagnosing of Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is simple to identify by sight. Your physician may want to review for diabetes or insulin resistance as the reason. These analyses may comprise blood glucose tests or fasting insulin tests. Your physician may additionally evaluate your medications to see if they’re a secondary factor.
In limited cases, your physician may conduct other tests, such as a tiny skin biopsy, to rule out other permissible causes.
Acanthosis Nigricans Treatment
Treatment for acanthosis nigricans intends to correct the underlying cause of your symptoms. In many circumstances, treating the underlying problem can help fade the discoloration. Strategies that may be recommended include:
- Losing weight
- Stopping medications or supplements. If your condition seems to be related to a medication or supplement that you use, your doctor may suggest that you stop using that substance.
- switching to a different medication if it’s triggering your symptoms
- Prescription creams to lighten or soften the affected areas
- Topical antibiotic
- Antibacterial soaps, used gently, as scrubbing could worsen the condition
- Oral acne medications
- Laser therapy to reduce the skin’s thickness
- surgery- If it was a malignant tumor, surgically extracting the tumor often clears up the skin discoloration.
- Chemotherapy, or radiotherapy for cancer
Acanthosis Nigricans Treatment Cream
Topical medications are effective in some instances of acanthosis nigricans include keratolytic (eg, ammonium lactate 12% cream, topical tretinoin 0.05%, or a combination of both) and the triple-combination depigmenting cream (hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%, fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%) nightly with the daily sunscreen. Calcipotriol, adapalene, podophyllin, urea, and salicylic acid also have been reported, with changeable outcomes.
Outlook of Acanthosis Nigricans
Most circumstances of acanthosis nigricans are harmless and not a sign of anything dangerous. The skin patches usually fade with time as the underlying condition is managed.
