ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS: OVERVIEW
Acanthosis nigricans: This skin condition causes areas of skin to darken and thicken as shown here on this 15-year-old girl’s hands.
What is acanthosis nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans (ay-can-THOE-sis NIE-gri-cans) (AN) is a skin condition that causes one or more areas of skin to darken and thicken. Often the skin with AN feels like velvet.
People who get this skin condition sometimes mistakenly believe that a dye or something else they touched has discolored their skin. They try scrubbing away the discoloration. Vigorous scrubbing will not get rid of AN.
Acanthosis nigricans is not contagious. It is not harmful.
Sometimes, it is a warning sign of a health problem that requires medical attention. For this reason, it is important to see a dermatologist if you notice an area of darker, thicker skin.
When to see a dermatologist
If you notice a change to your skin, you should see a dermatologist. Small changes may seem like nothing. Sometimes a small change is an early warning sign. AN can be a sign of pre-diabetes, which increases your risk of getting diabetes. Making lifestyle changes before diabetes develops can prevent diabetes.
AN can also be caused by a medicine you’re taking. If this happens, changing medicines might be an option for you.
Other times, these dark patches have no connection to any medical condition. A dermatologist can help you find out what’s causing your discolored skin.
Acanthosis nigricans: Darker skin in the folds of the neck is common.
ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
This skin condition causes some easily recognized signs and symptoms. You may notice that your skin with acanthosis nigricans:
- Has a brown or black discoloration
- Feels velvety and thicker than the surrounding skin
- Has skin tags
- Itches
- Has a bad odor
Where acanthosis nigricans forms
A velvety, dark patch of skin can form on most areas on the body, including the:
- Armpits
- Back of the neck
- Groin area (especially in skin folds and creases)
- Elbows
- Knees
- Knuckles
- Belly button
- Woman’s breasts (beneath)
- Face
- Female genitalia
Less often, a patch can form on the lips, mouth, eyelids, palms of the hands, bottoms of the feet, or nipples.
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) tends to appear slowly, taking months or years to form. If it appears suddenly, you should immediately make an appointment to see a dermatologist. When AN appears suddenly, it can be a warning sign of cancer.
Who gets acanthosis nigricans?
Anyone can get this skin condition. Some people, however, have a greater risk. People who are most likely to get acanthosis nigricans (AN) are:
- Obese or overweight.
- Of Native American, African, Caribbean, or Hispanic descent.
- From a family with a history of AN.
What causes acanthosis nigricans?
People get this skin condition for many reasons. Obesity is the most common cause. Studies show that when obese children and adults who have AN lose a significant amount of weight, they often see their skin clear.
People who are completely healthy also get AN. These people tend to have others in their family with this skin condition.
Sometimes, AN is a warning sign of something going on inside the body. It can be a sign that you have:
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- Pre-diabetes or diabetes: If you have pre-diabetes, making some lifestyle changes can help prevent diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is important to find out so that you can treat it.
- A reaction to a medicine you’re taking: Birth control pills, strong corticosteroids like prednisone, and niacin can cause AN.
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- A hormonal condition: You could have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease, or a problem with your adrenal glands.
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- Cancer: When AN develops quickly, it can be a sign of a cancer, especially a cancer in the stomach, colon, or liver.
How do dermatologists diagnose acanthosis nigricans?
A dermatologist can diagnose acanthosis nigricans (AN) by looking at your skin.
If your dermatologist diagnoses you with AN, you may need a blood test and other medical tests. These tests can help find out if you have another medical condition. AN is more common in people who have diabetes. Sometimes, AN can be a warning sign of pre-diabetes, thyroid disease, or another condition.
How do dermatologists treat acanthosis nigricans?
Many people see their skin clear when they get treatment for the condition that is causing AN. If you have pre-diabetes, getting that under control often helps to fade the dark patches on your skin. If testing finds a problem with your thyroid or adrenal glands, treating that condition can clear your skin.
You don’t have to have a medical condition to have an AN. It’s also possible that treating an underlying medical condition like pre-diabetes won’t completely clear the dark patches.
It’s not necessary to treat an AN. If you want to see clearer skin, a dermatologist can treat you.
Treatment for AN includes the following:
- Lighten skin color: Prescription creams, ointments, and gels.
- Reduce skin thickness: Laser treatments.
- Decrease odor and discomfort: Antibiotics you apply to the skin and antibacterial soaps.
- Help clear the skin: Retinoids (may be a cream or pill).
None of these treatments is specifically designed to treat AN. Dermatologists have found, however, that these can help. Sometimes, AN is difficult to treat.