2. HIGHLIGHTS
The most notable sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark patches of
skin with a thick, velvety texture.
It’s most common in those who are overweight, have darker skin,
and have diabetes or prediabetic conditions.
The most frequent trigger for acanthosis nigricans is too much
insulin in your bloodstream.
3. WHAT IS ANCANTHOSIS?
Acanthosis nigricans is a fairly common skin pigmentation disorder. The most notable
sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark patches of skin with a thick, velvety texture.
These patches may appear on skin folds and the:
armpits
groin
neck
elbows
knees
knuckles
lips
palms
soles of the feet
Acanthosis nigricans may be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as
prediabetes. The most effective treatments focus on finding and resolving medical
conditions at the root of the problem. These skin patches tend to disappear after
successfully treating the root condition.
4. WHO IS AT RISK?
Acanthosis nigricans is seen in both men and women.
It’s most common in those who are overweight, have darker skin,
and have diabetes or prediabetic conditions.
The frequency of acanthosis nigricans varies between ethnic
groups. One study found that acanthosis nigricans appears in 34
percent of Native Americans. According to the American Academy
of Dermatology, people of African, Caribbean, or Hispanic descent
are also at an increased risk.
All ethnic groups are equally at risk of acanthosis nigricans when
body mass index (BMI) is well above normal.
5. WHAT CAUSES ANCANTHOSIS?
Acanthosis nigricans skin patches occur when epidermal skin
cells begin to reproduce rapidly. This abnormal skin cell growth is
most commonly triggered by high levels of insulin in the blood. In
rare cases, the increase in skin cells may be caused by
medications, cancer, or other medical conditions.
6. CAUSES CONTINUED….
Too Much Insulin
The most frequent trigger for acanthosis nigricans is too much insulin in your
bloodstream.
When you eat, your body converts carbohydrates into sugar molecules such as
glucose. Some of this glucose is used for energy in your cells while the rest is
stored. The hormone insulin must allow glucose to enter cells so that the cells can
use glucose for energy.
Overweight people tend to develop resistance to insulin over time. Although the
pancreas is making insulin, the body can’t use it properly. This creates a buildup of
glucose in the bloodstream, which can result in high levels of both blood glucose
and insulin in your bloodstream.
Excess insulin causes normal skin cells to reproduce at a rapid rate. For those
with dark skin, these new cells have more melanin. This increase in melanin
produces a patch of skin that’s darker than the skin surrounding it. Thus, the
presence of acanthosis nigricans is a strong predictor of future diabetes. If too
much insulin is indeed the cause, it’s relatively easy to correct with proper diet,
exercise, and blood sugar control.
7. CAUSES CONTINUED...
Medication
Acanthosis nigricans can also be triggered by certain medications
such as birth control pills, human growth hormones, thyroid
medications, and even some bodybuilding supplements.
All of these medications can cause changes in insulin levels.
Medications used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy have
also been linked to acanthosis nigricans. In most cases, the
condition clears up when the medications are discontinued.
8. OTHER POTENTIAL CAUSES
Other Potential Causes
In rare cases, acanthosis nigricans can be caused by:
stomach cancer, or gastric adenocarcinoma
adrenal gland disorders, such as Addison’s disease
disorders of the pituitary gland
low levels of thyroid hormones
high doses of niacin
9. HOW IS ANCANTHOSIS DIAGNOSED?
Acanthosis nigricans is easy to recognize by sight. Your doctor
may want to check for diabetes or insulin resistance as the cause.
These tests may include blood glucose tests or fasting insulin
tests. Your doctor may also review your medications to see if
they’re a contributing factor.
It’s important to tell your doctor about any dietary supplements,
vitamins, or bodybuilding supplements you may be taking in
addition to your prescription medications.
In rare cases, your doctor may perform other tests, such as a
small skin biopsy, to rule out other possible causes.
10. TREATMENT
Acanthosis nigricans isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom of another
condition that may require medical attention. Treatment is largely
focused on addressing the condition that’s causing it. If you’re
overweight, your doctor will advise you to lose weight. Your doctor
may also prescribe medications to help bring your blood glucose
under control.
If the condition is caused by medications or supplements, your
doctor may have you discontinue them or suggest substitutes.
The discolored skin patches will usually fade when you find the
cause and get it under control.
11. TREATMENT CONTINUED…
Cosmetic Treatments
Cosmetic treatments exist for cases that are especially unsightly
or embarrassing. Dark patches may be covered up with cosmetics
or lightened with prescription skin lighteners. Although these
treatments aren’t as effective as treating the cause of the
condition, they can provide some relief. Available skin lighteners
include Retin-A, 20 percent urea, alpha hydroxy acids, and
salicylic acid.
12. ONGOING CARE AND PREVENTION
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can usually prevent acanthosis
nigricans.
Losing weight, controlling your diet, and adjusting any
medications that are contributing to the condition are all crucial
steps.
Healthier lifestyle choices will also reduce your risks for many
other types of illnesses.
