Overview
A skin pigmentation problem characterised by dark, velvety, and thick patches of skin usually formed in the skin folds and creases.
Symptoms
If you’re experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact a health care provider.
The common symptoms include:
- Dark, velvety patches of skin in the armpits, groin, and neck
- Darkening or thickening of skin
→ Common treatment options
→ How is this diagnosed?
Causes
Acanthosis nigricans has been associated with:
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance Insulin is a hormone which helps control blood sugar. Insulin resistance, if untreated, causes type 2 diabetes
- Hormonal disorders Certain hormone disorders such as ovarian cysts, underactive thyroids, or problems with the adrenal glands can cause the darkening of skin
- Drugs and supplements Certain medications like birth control pills, steroids, or overuse of over the counter products
- Cancer Acanthosis is also associated with cancerous tumors especially of the internal organs like stomach and colon
→ Questions to ask your doctor
→ Interested to know more? Check out the full article here