The skin condition acanthosis nigricans causes dark, thick, and velvety patches on the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts, where the skin folds or creases. Although it is not harmful to you or contagious, it can affect your self-esteem and indicate an underlying health issue. What causes acanthosis nigricans, how to recognize its symptoms, how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it will be discussed in this blog post.
What causes acanthosis nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans isn't known for sure, but it's often associated with conditions that inhibit the body's ability to use insulin efficiently. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels in the body. Acanthosis nigricans occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, which increases insulin levels in the blood. As a result, skin cells and pigment cells can grow, causing acanthosis nigricans.
The following conditions can cause insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans:
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Overweight and obesity can impair insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Those with diabetes suffer from high blood sugar levels because of insufficient or ineffective insulin production or use, as well as acanthosis nigricans and high insulin levels.
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PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, causing irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and infertility. It can also cause insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans.
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Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors. A number of risk factors are associated with metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, and abdominal obesity. Insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans are also associated with metabolic syndrome.
Other less common causes of acanthosis nigricans include:
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Some people inherit a tendency to develop acanthosis nigricans from their parents. It usually appears in childhood or adolescence and may improve or disappear over time.
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Drugs can trigger or worsen acanthosis nigricans by altering insulin sensitivity or hormone levels. These drugs include oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, niacin, growth hormone, and some cancer drugs.
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Rarely, acanthosis nigricans can be an indication of internal cancer, including stomach, colon, liver, or lung. This type of acanthosis nigricans usually develops rapidly and affects areas other than the usual skin folds, like the face, lips, palms, soles, or nails.
What are the symptoms of acanthosis nigricans?
As a result of acanthosis nigricans, darkened and thickened patches of skin appear in folds and creases of the skin. It is not uncommon for affected areas to have a velvety or warty texture and itch or smell unpleasant. Most commonly affected areas include:
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Neck
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Armpits
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Groin
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Under the breasts
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Elbows
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Knees
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Knuckles
If acanthosis nigricans develops suddenly or affects unusual areas of the body, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires treatment.
How is acanthosis nigricans diagnosed?
Doctors or dermatologists usually diagnose acanthosis nigricans by examining the skin and asking about your medical history, family history, medications, and lifestyle habits.
If your doctor suspects an underlying condition, he or she may order blood tests to test your blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, hormone, or other markers. To check for any abnormal growths in your internal organs, the doctor may also perform imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, or endoscopy if there is a suspicion that cancer is the cause of your acanthosis nigricans.
How is acanthosis nigricans treated?
Acanthosis nigricans treatment depends on its cause and severity. The main goal is to address the underlying cause of your skin changes and improve your overall health.
The following are some possible treatments for acanthosis nigricans:
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Losing weight can reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels, improving skin appearance and preventing further complications from obesity and diabetes.
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Medications adjustment: Your doctor may advise you to stop or change a medication that is causing your acanthosis nigricans. It is crucial to consult your doctor first before stopping or changing your medication, as this may have serious consequences for your health.
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Your doctor will tell you how to control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. You may need to take insulin or oral medications, monitor your blood glucose, follow a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to manage your diabetes. Diabetes complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and heart disease can be prevented or delayed if this is done.
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To balance your hormone levels and regulate your menstrual cycle, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy if you have PCOS or another hormonal disorder that is causing your acanthosis nigricans. Your fertility can also be improved and PCOS symptoms, such as acne and excess hair growth, can be reduced with this.
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Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment for your type and stage of cancer if you have acanthosis nigricans caused by cancer. Aside from improving your skin appearance and reducing the risk of cancer spreading or recurring, cancer treatment can also include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
In addition to treating the underlying cause of acanthosis nigricans, there are some topical treatments that can help improve the appearance of the affected skin. These include:
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Retinoids: Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that can help exfoliate and lighten the skin. They are available as creams, gels, or lotions that can be applied to the affected areas once or twice a day. However, retinoids can cause skin irritation, dryness, peeling, and sun sensitivity. They are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as they can cause birth defects.
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Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that can help fade the dark pigmentation of the skin. It is available as creams, gels, or lotions that can be applied to the affected areas once or twice a day. However, hydroquinone can also cause skin irritation, inflammation, and allergic reactions. It is also not recommended for long-term use, as it can cause skin discoloration or cancer.
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Alpha hydroxy acids: Alpha hydroxy acids are natural acids that can help exfoliate and moisturize the skin. They are available as creams, lotions, or peels that can be applied to the affected areas once or twice a week. However, alpha hydroxy acids can also cause skin irritation, redness, burning, and sun sensitivity.
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Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses beams of light to remove the outer layer of the skin and stimulate the growth of new skin cells. It can help reduce the thickness and darkness of the affected skin. However, laser therapy can also cause pain, swelling, bruising, scarring, and infection. It is also expensive and may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
How can acanthosis nigricans be prevented?
Acanthosis nigricans can be prevented or treated if the underlying condition is prevented or treated. This means maintaining a healthy weight, managing diabetes or other metabolic disorders, avoiding medications that trigger acanthosis nigricans, and screening for cancer regularly.
Some of the lifestyle changes that can help prevent acanthosis nigricans are:
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Eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar, fat, and calories and high in fiber, protein, and vitamins.
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Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins from the body.
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Exercising regularly to burn calories, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress.
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Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
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Practicing good hygiene and using mild soap and moisturizer to keep the skin clean and moist.
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Wearing loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics to avoid friction and irritation of the skin folds.
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Protecting the skin from sun exposure by using sunscreen and wearing hats and sunglasses.
Many people around the world suffer from a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which is not dangerous or contagious on its own, but can indicate underlying health concerns. In order to improve your quality of life and take control of your health, you should understand what causes acanthosis nigricans, how to recognize its symptoms, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it.
