Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by dark, thickened patches of skin, typically appearing in the folds and creases of the body, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and sometimes even the knees and elbows.
While it’s not a harmful condition itself, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. Let’s have a look on the causes symptoms and treatments of this issue.
Causes Of Acanthosis Nigricans:
The primary cause of acanthosis nigricans is insulin resistance. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it leads to higher levels of insulin in the bloodstream. This can stimulate the production of skin cells and melanin, resulting in the characteristic dark, velvety patches.
Insulin resistance can be caused by various factors. They include obesity, type 2 diabetes, hormonal disorders, certain medications, and sometimes even genetic predisposition.
Symptoms OF Acanthosis Nigricans:
The most noticeable symptom of acanthosis nigricans is the presence of dark, thickened patches of skin, often with a velvety texture. These patches typically appear in skin folds and creases, such as the neck and armpits. They can also appear on other areas like the knees and elbows.
In some cases, the affected skin may also feel itchy or have a foul odor, particularly if there’s an underlying infection.
How To Diagnose Acanthosis Nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans is usually diagnosed based on its characteristic appearance on the skin. However, since it can sometimes be associated with underlying health conditions like diabetes or hormonal disorders.
Your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests to determine the underlying cause. These tests may include blood tests to check for elevated insulin levels, glucose tolerance tests, hormone tests, and sometimes a skin biopsy for further evaluation.
Treatment Options Available For Acanthosis Nigricans:
The treatment of acanthosis nigricans focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. Since insulin resistance is a common trigger, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the severity of symptoms.
In cases where acanthosis nigricans is associated with an underlying condition like diabetes or hormonal imbalances, managing those conditions effectively can also lead to improvement in the skin condition.
Topical treatments may also be prescribed to help lighten and smooth the affected skin. These may include retinoid creams, alpha hydroxy acids, or topical steroids to reduce inflammation and promote skin cell turnover. In some cases, laser therapy or chemical peels may be recommended to further improve the appearance of the affected skin.
How To Prevent From Acanthosis Nigricans:
Acanthosis nigricans itself is not harmful. It can sometimes be a warning sign of underlying health issues like diabetes or hormonal imbalances. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance and associated skin changes.
Conclusion:
Acanthosis nigricans in its starting stage is not harmful. However, it cannot be ignored. It can be a sign of disease like diabetes. Contact to a doctor when you notice the increase of darkness. Do preventions and control your insulin level. Take healthy diets and do exercise to prevent from obesity. This will stop the increase of dark patches on your underarms and thighs.
If you want to remove the darkness from your inner thighs and underarms, read this article: Tips to get rid of dark inner thighs and underarms overnight.