Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by change of skin discoloration in the areas of body folds forming dark patches on the skin. It will emanate bad odor from the affected area of the skin. It is largely seen on groin, armpits and neck. This disorder is often seen on people who are overweight and have diabetes. In rare cases, it can be an indication of cancer in the internal organs like live or stomach. This skin condition occurs in Native Americans and Hispanics.
Symptoms :
Typical skin changes are the only symptom of Acanthosis nigricans. It will form dark velvety skin on the areas of skin in body folds found on the armpits and groin. The change in skin color does not appear overnight but it is a slow process taking months together. It will also produce bad smell on the affected skin.
Causes :
Mostly, people who have developed insulin resistance will have acanthosis nigricans. Insulin is a natural hormone produced by pancreas that is responsible for managing blood sugar level. Hence people with diabetes will have insulin resistance. Addison disease and pituitary gland disorder can cause this problem.
Individuals who are obese have more chance to get this skin condition than others. Certain hormonal disorders like underactive thyroids or ovarian cyst will also give rise to this skin problem. Using oral contraceptives for long can cause acanthosis nigricans. In rare cases, this disease is indicative of cancerous tumor in liver or stomach. People who develop this skin condition are more likely to get Type 2 diabetes in future.
Tests :
Physical examination of the skin can reveal this skin disorder. In case of doubt, your doctor will do skin biopsy for removing tiny portion of skin tissue for testing in lab.
Pictures of Acanthosis Nigricans :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Acanthosis Nigricans
Treatment :
There is no cure for acanthosis nigricans and the symptoms/root cause can be treated. If this skin condition is caused due to obesity, then you have to lose weight. In case the problem has happened due to intake of certain drugs you can consult your doctor for getting alternative medicines.
For cancerous tumor, your doctor will remove the tumor by surgery. There are prescription creams for removing the darkness and bad odor from the affected skin. You can also try using antibacterial soaps for reducing odor. Some experts use laser therapy for reducing skin thickness on folds. Eat healthy diet, practice regular exercise and stay on healthy weight for preventing this disease. Reducing your weight is good not only for removing this skin condition but also to avoid diabetes.