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Acanthosis Nigricans

Synonym and related keywords of Acanthosis Nigricans- AN, acanthosis nigricans

What is Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) is a disorder which is characterized by symmetrical, hyperpigmented, velvety plaques that may occur usually on the neck, under the arms or in the groin. Acanthosis Nigricans is related to insulin metabolism and appears in diseases which affect insulin metabolism including obesity. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that signals high insulin levels in the body. Insulin is produced by an organ called the pancreas. Insulin is important because it helps "carry" the glucose or sugar to the cells in your body. High insulin levels indicate that the body is resisting the insulin that is being produced.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Acanthosis Nigricans

The exact cause of Acanthosis Nigricans is not known, although several possibilities have been suggested. Acanthosis nigricans is sometimes associated with being overweight and it is frequently found in people with diabetes. Related information for Acanthosis nigricans causes, as with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Acanthosis nigricans may be found in the risk factors for Acanthosis nigricans, medications that may cause Acanthosis nigricans, contagiousness for Acanthosis nigricans, genetics of Acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans may begin at any age. Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be associated with medical problems. Some cases are genetically inherited. It is most common among people of African descent. Rarely acanthosis nigricans is associated with a tumor. Acanthosis nigricans may also be caused by hormone problems such as insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, acromegaly, or Cushing's syndrome.

What are the symptoms Acanthosis nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans causes skin lesions that are darker than the skin around them. It is often described as dark patches of skin, frequently on the back of the neck. Sometimes people get a dark ring around their neck. Other possible sites for these dark patches include elbows, knees, knuckles, and armpits. The following Acanthosis nigricans symptoms are observed in case of Acanthosis nigricans skin disorder -

Dark and velvety skin
painless area of darkened, slightly raised skin
Itch
visible markings and creases appears in the armpits, groin, and neck

How Acanthosis nigricans is diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose acanthosis nigricans by doing a medical history and physical exam. The diagnosis is usually based on how your skin looks and where your skin is affected.

How Acanthosis nigricans is treated?

There is no specific treatment for acanthosis nigricans. If it is caused by an illness, your provider will treat the illness. When it seems to be a side effect from a medicine, your provider may prescribe a different medicine. Treatments of acanthosis nigricans include the following:

antibiotic ointments or creams
retinoids, taken orally or used in a cream
topical corticosteroid creams
weight loss to lower insulin resistance

Treatment acanthosis nigricans of given above is the best treatment. If you have acanthosis nigricans, it is very important to get checked for type 2 diabetes and other possible causes. The skin changes often get better with the improved diet and exercise that treats or helps prevent diabetes.

If you have the inherited form (familial acanthosis nigricans), creams put on the skin may be helpful.

Acanthosis Nigricans