What is Acanthosis Nigricans?

A skin disorder, acanthosis nigricans is a condition where the skin inside body folds is very thick, dark, and velvet-like. It can be inherited, part of an underlying condition, or completely affect healthy individuals. Medications, endocrine disorders, diabetes, and cancer can also cause it. It is more easily seen in those with African heritage than others.

Symptoms

Other than the changes to the skin, there are no signs to this condition. Wherever there is a fold or crease of skin, there will be dark velvet-like skin. Typically, this is seen in joints, groin folds, armpits, and the neck folds. Signs of it in the lips and soles of the feet are more typical in ones that have cancer causing it.

Diagnosis

There will be a skin exam where the majority of your skin is viewed. There can be a skin biopsy done if it is an unusual case. Acanthosis nigricans can usually be diagnosed from this skin exam, but they may run tests to check for the underlying cause. These tests can be blood tests, x-rays, or endoscopy tests.

Treatment

There is no treatment given for this condition since it is cosmetic only. If there is an underlying condition that is causing acanthosis nigricans then that condition will need treatment. If it is from diabetes caused by obesity, losing weight can be the option that helps improve the symptoms. Without an underlying cause though, the skin condition is just allowed to be as it is.

If there is a cause for the condition and that cause is treated, the acanthosis nigricans may go away. There is an excellent health prognosis for this condition, since it only affects the appearance of the skin. However, if it is caused by cancer or other serious conditions, that can affect the prognosis of the patient due to the underlying condition and not the acanthosis nigricans.

Source: A.D.A.M.