Some people may develop skin discoloration and buildup in specific body areas, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or underarm folds. These changes can appear as thicker, rougher, and wrinkled skin lines. It is important to understand that this condition is not always caused by poor personal hygiene but can also be a sign of Acanthosis nigricans.

What is acanthosis nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by discoloration and buildup of thick skin in certain areas of the body, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or underarm folds. Acanthosis nigricans is a symptom of a number of underlying medical conditions, including insulin resistance, hormonal disorders, obesity, and side effects from certain medications.

Causes of acanthosis nigricans

As mentioned earlier, several medical conditions cause acanthosis nigricans. Learn how these medical conditions can cause acanthosis nigricans.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when muscle, fat, and liver cells no longer respond to insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use sugar for energy.

Insulin resistance occurs when cells cannot easily absorb glucose from the blood, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. In response, the pancreas increases insulin production to balance blood sugar levels.

Excess insulin can cause skin cells to reproduce rapidly. The new skin cells produced tend to contain more melanin in people with more pigmented skin. This increase in melanin causes darker patches of skin than the surrounding skin, known as acanthosis nigricans. The observation of Acanthosis nigricans is an important indicator in the early detection and prevention of diabetes.

Read more: Effective Natural Ingredients For Treating Dark Spot (Hiperpigmentation)

Hormonal disorder

Acanthosis nigricans may also be caused by hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Addison's disease, or thyroid gland disease.

Consumption of certain medications

Certain medications can trigger or worsen Acanthosis nigricans, including:

• Supplemental insulin
• Nicotinic acid (to lower cholesterol levels)
• Birth control pills
• Diethylstilbestrol (cancer treatment)
• Human growth hormone
• Systemic glucocorticoids
• Thyroid medication
• Bodybuilding supplements containing hormones or other substances
• Protease inhibitors (HIV/AIDS treatment)
• Estrogen therapy

Read more: Characteristics Of Skin Infection And Their Causes

How to treat acanthosis nigricans

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if a dermatologist suspects Acanthosis nigricans, they will recommend an examination. You will be recommended to undergo blood and other medical tests to determine the cause.

The treatment of Acanthosis nigricans depends on what the cause is. Some of them may not require specific treatment; however, treatment is provided to alleviate the symptoms of the underlying cause. Sometimes, a dermatologist may recommend skin whitening creams, laser treatments, antibiotics, antibacterial soaps, or retinoid creams to help clear the skin.

See a doctor or dermatologist if you suspect skin changes similar to acanthosis nigricans. You can also access health consultation services by downloading the Ai Care app from the App Store or Play Store.

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