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Acanthosis Nigricans
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Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It most often affects the armpits, groin and neck. Acanthosis nigricans is mainly a cosmetic concern. Benign A. N. has an irregular dominant mode of inheritance and is not associated with internal disorders. Eating too much of the wrong foods, especially starches and sugars, can cause insulin resistance. This will result in elevated insulin levels. The elevated insulin levels in the body activates insulin receptors in the skin, forcing it to grow abnormally. Reducing the circulating insulin by dieting or medication can lead to improvement of the skin problem. Rarely acanthosis nigricans is associated with a tumor, most commonly of the stomach or gut. In these cases acanthosis can bee seen in extra places, such as the lips or hands and is unusually severe. Although classically described as a sign of internal malignancy, this is very rare. Benign types, sometimes described as ‘pseudoacanthosis nigricans' are much more common. There's no specific treatment but treating any underlying conditions may cause the skin changes to fade.

Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans

The common Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans :

• Rarely the condition is associated with an endocrine disorder or a tumor.
• Acanthosis nigricans is sometimes associated with being overweight.
• People with Cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts or with lymphoma can also develop severe cases of acanthosis nigricans.
• Drugs, particularly hormones such as human growth hormone or oral contraceptives ("the pill"), can cause acanthosis nigricans.
• We do not know the exact cause of this condition.
• Many hormone problems, endocrine disorders or tumors may cause acanthosis nigricans.
• Acanthosis nigricans may begin at any age.
• Other causes include chronic hepatitis and ingestion of large doses of niacin.

Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans

Some Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans :

• Pigmented lesions.
• Itch.
• skin changes appear slowly,
• painless area of darkened, slightly raised skin.
• Dark and velvety skin.
• light-brown-to-black.
• visible markings and creases appears in the armpits, groin, and neck.

Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans

• When acanthosis nigricans develops a medical work-up should be done to determine whether or not the patient has a gland (endocrine) disorder or a tumor.
• Excise or treat underlying tumour.
• There is no cure for acanthosis nigricans. Overweight individuals usually have improvement if they lose weight. In those who have a tumor or a gland disorder, correction of the underlying problem will often cure the acanthosis nigricans.
• Retin-A , 15% urea, alpha hydroxyacid , and salicylic acid are all prescriptions that may provide some improvement for this condition.
• Correct hyperinsulinaemia through diet and medication.
• Antibiotic ointments or creams .

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