Acanthosis Nigricans - Treatment and Symptoms

Acanthosis nigricans is a disorder that may begin at any age. It causes velvety, light-brown-to-black, markings usually on the neck, under the arms or in the groin. Acanthosis nigricans is most often associated with being overweight. It is a skin disorder characterized by abnormally increased coloration (hyperpigmentation) and "velvety" thickening (hyperkeratosis) of the skin, particularly of skin fold regions, such as of the neck and groin and under the arms (axillae). This skin condition is also seen in people who have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

When acanthosis nigricans develops in people who are not overweight, a medical work-up should be done. Rarely acanthosis nigricans is associated with a tumor. In these cases acanthosis can be seen in extra places, such as the lips or hands and is unusually severe. Insulin resistance may be associated with various disorders, including obesity and non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes mellitus. In individuals with type II diabetes mellitus, the pancreas produces insulin but the body becomes resistant to its effects, leading to insufficient absorption of glucose and abnormally increased glucose levels in the blood (hyperglycemia) and urine. As a result, there may be a gradual onset of certain symptoms, including excessive urination (polyuria) and increased thirst (polydipsia), and the development of particular complications without appropriate treatment.

Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans itself usually only causes changes to the appearance of the skin, so there's no specific treatment for acanthosis nigricans.It is important, however, to attempt to treat any underlying medical problem that may be causing these skin changes

If you're concerned about the appearance of your skin, your doctor may prescribe

1) A cream or lotion to help lighten the affected areas contain modified vitamin A products such as tretinoin (Retin-A, others)

2) Some of these lotions or other medications.

3) Sometimes oral medications such as etretinate or isotretinoin (Accutane, others) are helpful.

4) Fish oil supplements

5) Dermabrasion or laser therapy

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