Acanthosis Nigricans - Info on Acanthosis Nigricans Symptom, Causes & Treatment

What is Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis Nigricans is a common skin disease that usually present in the posterior and lateral folds of the neck , the axilla , groin , umbilicus , and other areas. Acanthosis nigricans may begin at any age.This is most often associated with being overweight. Sometimes acanthosis nigricans is congenital or due to an endocrine (glandular) disorder.

Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans

• The exact cause of this acanthosis nigricans is unknown.
• Acanthosis nigricans may begin at any age.
• Rarely the condition is associated with an endocrine disorder or a tumor.
• Acanthosis nigricans is sometimes associated with being overweight.

Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans

• The skin is darker and thicker in certain areas. These areas may be light-brown to black in colour.
• The dark patches feel velvety and rough.

Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans

The aim of treatment lies in terminating the underlying disease process. Treatment of the lesions of acanthosis nigricans is for cosmetic reasons only. Correcting hyperinsulinemia may also help control the condition. If the condition is caused due to an external cause like the side effect of a medication, it will go away once the medicine is stopped. But if is caused by a cancer, there is nothing much that can be done. When AN is caused by obesity, weight management is key. Some of these lotions contain modified vitamin A products such as tretinoin Retin-A or other medications. Topical applications do make a difference, so do oral agents.