Acanthosis Nigricans
March 4, 2009
What is it?
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder which causes the skin to change to light brown or black with a velvety, rough texture. It is usually found in the skin on the backside, sides of neck or underarms and in the groin area. It can occur at any age and can affect people who are otherwise healthy. It is possible it may even be inherited.
African descent populace is more prone to it.
What are the common causes?
The actual cause is yet unknown. Several possibilities are being suggested. One reason could be Addison’s disease caused by hormone deficiency of adrenal gland. This condition is commonly found in obese people. Wrong dietary habits, particularly foods that are high in starches and sugars, have also been cited as a reason. It can also be a genetically inherited condition and in such a case it is not considered a danger.
What are the common signs and symptoms?
This condition usually appears gradually and there are no telltale symptoms apart from skin changes. However one may look out for the following changes;
The skin becomes darker or thicker in some areas with color varying from light-brown to black.
The area may become senseless to itch or pain.
The skin will have a velvety rough feeling to the touch.
Other places it can affect are the lips or hands where it is usually severe.
What is the treatment available?
Since the changes are only to the skin no treatment is really required. However it is recommended to find out the underlying medical issue which may be causing the skin to change.
Antibiotics (creams and ointments), Retinoids (oral or cream based), and topical corticosteroid creams are available to treat Acanthosis Nigricans. Weight loss is also recommended to lower insulin resistance.
How to prevent it?
If the root cause is hereditary, there are no preventive measures. If the cause is obesity, weight management is the answer. If the cause is unavoidable medications, again little can be done about it.
Fortunately it is not a contagious disease. A doctor can diagnose this condition based on medical history and physical examination.
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