Acanthosis Nigricans

Definition

Acanthpsis Nigricans is a skin condition which is characterized by dark patches.Especially it is happen in the folds and creases of skin in the axilla, groin and back of the neck.It is common in people whose body is not responding correctly to the insulin that they make in their pancreas. This makes too much insulin collected in the body resulting in hyperpigmentation which changes the colour of the skin .This skin type condition is also seen in prediabetes or type 2 diabetes pepoles.

The skin darkening is usually first seen during pre-adolescence and adolescence years. High insulin levels in the blood can lead to several fatal diseases like diabetes and other chronic health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart problems.it is sometimes associated with cancer of abdominal viscera. It may begin at any age.

Acanthosis nigricans is mainly a cosmetic concern. There's no specific treatment — but treating any underlying conditions may cause the skin changes to fade.

Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans

Some causes may includes:

• This disease mostly effeect that people who has disease like cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts or with lymphoma.
• Acanthosis Nigricans rarely associated with an endocrine disorder or a tumor.
• Genetic causes are also present for the disease.
• The main and the critical cause is Insulin resistance which results in excess of insulin in the body results in abnormal growth.
• this disease can also happen due to overweight.
• It is also found in htat people who has effected with diabetes.
• The human growth hormone or oral contraceptives can also cause the disease.
• Drug-induction may also cause Acanthosis Nigricans.

Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans

Possible symptoms may includes:-

• Skin turns dark,velvety with very visible markings and creases appears in the armpits, groin and neck which is painless. Sometimes, the lips, palms,soles of feet, or other areas may be affected. These areas may be light-brown to black in colour.
• The dark patches becomes rough.
• The affected areas rarely produces a itching.
• Painless area of darkened, slightly raised skin.

Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans

Treatment such as includes:

• good exercise can reduse this underlying tumour.
• Stop offending medicines in drug-induced acanthosis nigricans.
• Losing weight for those having overweight may improve condition.
• After the development of Acanthosis nigricans a medical work-up should be done so that it can be determined whether or not the patient has a gland disorder or a tumor.
• A few good medicine like retin-A ,15% urea,alpha hydroxyacid , and salicylic acid are general prescriptions from the doctors for improving the condition of the patient.
• Correct hyperinsulinaemia: The amount of insulin can be controlled through diet and medication.

If you are concerned about the your skin then your doctor may prescribe a cream or lotion to help lighten the affected areas. Some of these lotions contain modified vitamin A products such as tretinoin or other medications. Sometimes oral medications such as etretinate or isotretinoin are helpful. Fish oil supplements may also be recommended. Dermabrasion or laser therapy may help reduce the thickness of certain affected areas.