What are the causes of acanthosis nigricans?

What can cause dark patches of skin or too much pigmentation?

Research Acanthosis nigricans in Wikipedia. Research Acanthosis nigricans in Wikipedia.

What is AN an abbreviation for?

In medical terms, AN is an abbreviation for acanthosis nigricans.

What is nigricans?

"Nigricans" typically refers to a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which presents as dark, thickened skin in body folds and creases. It is commonly associated with insulin resistance, obesity, or certain medical conditions. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, such as managing blood sugar levels or losing weight.

What are the symptoms of severe insulin resistance?

In more severe cases, there may be dark patches (Acanthosis nigricans) on the neck, elbows, knees, knuckles, and armpits.

Acanthosis nigricans?

DefinitionAcanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsAcanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be associated with medical problems. Some cases are genetically inherited. It is most common among people of African descent.Obesity can lead to acanthosis nigricans, as can many endocrine disorders. It is frequently found in people with diabetes.Some drugs, particularly hormones such as human growth hormone or oral contraceptives ("the pill"), can also cause acanthosis nigricans.People with lymphoma or cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts can also develop severe cases of acanthosis nigricans.SymptomsAcanthosis nigricans usually appears slowly and doesn't cause any symptoms other than skin changes.Eventually, dark, velvety skin with very visible markings and creases appears in the armpits, groin, and neck. Sometimes, the lips, palms, soles of feet, or other areas may be affected.Signs and testsYour physician can usually diagnose acanthosis nigricans by simply looking at your skin. A skin biopsy may be needed in unusual cases.If no clear cause of acanthosis nigricans is obvious, it may be necessary to search for one. Your physician may order blood tests, an endoscopy, or x-rays to eliminate the possibility of diabetes or cancer as the cause.TreatmentBecause acanthosis nigricans itself usually only causes changes to the appearance of the skin, no particular treatment is needed.It is important, however, to attempt to treat any underlying medical problem that may be causing these skin changes.Expectations (prognosis)Acanthosis nigricans often fades if the cause can be found and treated.Calling your health care providerCall your physician if you develop areas of thick, dark, velvety skin.ReferencesMorelli JG. Diseases of the epidermis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap. 656.

How do remove blackness from the neck?

A black ring around the neck that doesn't appear to have any cause can be a sign of acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition that is characterised by dark patches of skin that sometimes have a raised, soft (often velvety) texture. Acanthosis nigricans affects other parts of body than the neck: primarily the armpits, between the breasts on women, and sometimes around the bellybutton and on the inner thighs. Occasionally other areas, such as the forehead and the soles of the feet, are affected.The causes of acanthosis nigricans are unclear, but it appears to often occur in conjunction with high insulin levels and excess weight. One theory is that excess insulin affects melanocyte production, creating patches with high melalin content.If you are overweight, following a healthy diet can be very helpful, both to your weight and your insulin levels, which in turn can improve the appearance of the dark patches.If you have no problems with your weight, it may be helpful to see a dermatologist. They may prescribe a cream to put on the area, possibly one containing tretinoin. In extreme cases, dermabrasion or laser therapy may be considered.Very rarely, acanthosis nigricans can be a symptom of a more serious condition. If you are at all worried, see your doctor.

Does polycystic ovaries cause discoloration of the skin?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome may include discoloration of the skin. This discoloration is known as acanthosis nigricans, and is typically found on the back of the neck, groin, and armpits.

What are some symptoms of Prediabetes?

Often pre-diabetes do not have any symptoms. Sometimes darkened areas of the skin, called acanthosis nigricans, is one of the few signs suggesting you are in possible risk of pre-diabetes

What is dark skin on overweight people?

Dark skin on heavy people, as shown in the accompanying photo, is called acanthosis nigricans. It is a marker for elevated insulin levels, and may signify a hormone disorder or disposition to diabetes.

How do you treat acanthosis?

Acanthosis nigricans is often treated by addressing the underlying cause, such as managing insulin resistance or obesity. Weight loss through diet and exercise can significantly improve the condition. Topical treatments, like retinoids or exfoliants, may help improve skin appearance. In some cases, medications to manage blood sugar levels may also be beneficial.

The skin in the crease behind both of your knees has turned black can anyone tell you what are the causes and possible treatments?

I would recommend seeing a doctor soon, as this may be a sign of a condition known as Acanthosis Nigricans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthosis_nigricans) . This is an increase in the pigmentation in your skin, which is characteristic of Type 2 Diabetes, or another type of insulin resistance. Don't mess around with this!

What causes body to turn black?

A condition called acanthosis nigricans can cause darkening of the skin, particularly in areas with folds or creases. Other causes of skin darkening include sun exposure, hormonal changes, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as Addison's disease or liver disease. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.