Often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, or hormonal disorders, acanthosis nigricans causes dark, thick, velvety patches of skin on the neck, armpits, groin, and elbows. There is, however, a way to improve your acanthosis nigricans care and management: direct primary care (DPC). Acanthosis nigricans can affect your quality of life, self-esteem, and overall health.
You can use a Direct Primary Care model to pay a monthly or annual fee to your primary care physician, and get unlimited access to their services without involving insurance companies.
A DPC doctor has fewer patients than a traditional doctor, so they can spend more time with you. Consequently, they are able to examine your skin condition thoroughly, address your concerns, and offer personalized treatment. Hippocrates said, "It is more important to know what kind of person has a disease than to know what kind of disease a person has."
You can get care whenever and wherever you need it with DPC doctors' phone, email, and video chat services. You don't have to worry about scheduling appointments, waiting in line, or paying extra fees. Moreover, if you need urgent care, you can get it same-day or next-day. Time can never be recovered.
Rather than treating just the symptoms, DPC doctors focus on preventing and treating the underlying causes of your acanthosis nigricans. Their services include helping you manage your weight, blood sugar, hormones, and other factors that affect your skin. They can also help you coordinate with specialists and labs if you require additional treatments or tests. Thomas Edison said, "The doctor of the future will not prescribe medicine, but rather focus on the care of the human frame, diet, and disease prevention."
DPC can help you manage your acanthosis nigricans in a holistic and personalized way. Here are some examples:
The DPC doctors will diagnose your acanthosis nigricans based on your medical history, physical examination, and skin biopsy if necessary, using their clinical skills and experience. In addition to ruled out fungal infections and cancer, they can also rule out other possible causes of your skin changes.
You can lighten or smooth your skin patches with topical creams or lotions prescribed by your DPC doctor. Alternatively, they can suggest over-the-counter products or home remedies that can improve the appearance and comfort of your skin. However, they will also emphasize that treating the underlying condition that causes your acanthosis nigricans is the best way to treat it.
If you suffer from acanthosis nigricans, DPC doctors can treat your underlying condition, whether it is obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance. If necessary, they'll prescribe medications, but they'll also recommend lifestyle changes to improve your health. Nutrition counseling, exercise guidance, stress management, sleep optimization, and more can be provided by them.
Monitor your progress: DPC doctors can follow up with you regularly to determine your skin condition and your underlying condition. They can adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide ongoing support and encouragement, as well as celebrate your achievements and motivate you to continue your efforts.
DPC can provide you with better care for your acanthosis nigricans and its underlying cause. Acanthosis nigricans is a common skin condition that can affect your physical and mental health. With DPC, you have more time with your doctor, more convenience and flexibility, more prevention, and more personalized acanthosis nigricans treatment options. According to Albert Einstein, "Everything should be as simple as possible, but not simpler." DPC is a simple but effective way to take care of yourself and your skin.
