ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition marked by thickened and darker skin with a velvety texture. It often affects areas like the neck and body folds. Patients often mistakenly believe that frequent washing and rubbing will improve it, but this can worsen the condition due to repeated friction. Obesity is a common association with acanthosis nigricans.

Typically, acanthosis nigricans is a benign skin issue that does not spread through contact. However, in rare cases, it may signal an underlying systemic illness, so it's advisable to seek consultation with a dermatologist.

Causes of acanthosis nigricans include:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance and diabetes
• Family history of the condition
• Hormonal fluctuations such as those seen in PCOS and hypothyroidism
• Medications that can lead to rapid weight gain
• Certain cancers such as gastrointestinal cancer and lymphoma

SYMPTOMS

Acanthosis nigricans is generally a benign and gradually progressing skin condition, yet it serves as a notable indicator of potential underlying health concerns.

It presents as thickened, velvety skin with dark brown pigmentation. In some cases, itching, dryness, an unusual odor, or roughness of the skin may accompany it. Advanced stages may lead to the development of multiple skin tags.

Any form of friction can exacerbate the condition.

If acanthosis nigricans appears suddenly and progresses rapidly, seeking immediate evaluation by a dermatologist is crucial. This rapid onset could potentially signify a cancerous condition.

Treatment

To determine any potential underlying conditions associated with acanthosis nigricans, various investigations are typically conducted to rule out possible associations.

Common tests may involve assessing blood sugar levels and serum insulin levels. Female patients might undergo investigations for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Older patients may also undergo tests to screen for cancerous diseases.

Addressing Underlying Factors:

• Weight management through healthy diet and exercise to reduce obesity.
• Treating diabetes or insulin resistance if diagnosed.
• Avoiding medications that can lead to rapid weight gain.

Managing Skin Symptoms:

• Medical treatments to smoothen and lighten the skin affected by acanthosis nigricans.
• Laser therapy to address skin thickening.
• Chemical peels for skin lightening.
• Treating any associated skin tags.

While treatment may not always result in complete improvement, lifestyle changes and minimal treatments can help prevent further worsening of acanthosis nigricans.

Tips

Here are some key points for managing acanthosis nigricans:

• Avoid rubbing the affected skin.
• Be open about any systemic symptoms with your doctor.
• Focus on weight control through lifestyle changes.
• Adopt lifestyle modifications to improve overall health.
• If there's a family history of obesity or acanthosis nigricans, start lifestyle changes early.
• Early-stage acanthosis nigricans can often be reversed, so follow your doctor's advice for optimal results.