Why do people get acanthosis nigricans

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Follow this advice to treat everyone safely and effectively. We're helping you achieve YourHealthiestSkin from head to toe. Use these tips from dermatologists to keep all your skin looking and feeling its best. AAD Shade Structures provide permanent outdoor shade in areas that are not protected from the sun. When it comes to treating the skin, plenty of people say they have expertise. Only a board-certified dermatologist has these credentials. Acanthosis nigricans Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes a dark discoloration in body folds and creases.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Rochester, Minn. Habif TP. Cutaneous manifestations of internal disease. Edinburgh, U. Accessed March 25, Niacin and niacinamide vitamin B3. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Accessed March 27, Gibson LE. Acanthosis nigricans.

It most often appears in the skin folds around the neck, groin, and armpits. Other symptoms include itching and an odor. Acanthosis nigricans has links with obesity and diabetes , and treatment involves addressing the underlying disorder. In rare cases, a malignant form of acanthosis nigricans can occur in people who have certain cancers.

In this article, we discuss the causes and symptoms of acanthosis nigricans, and we list some of the available treatment options. Malignant acanthosis nigricans may cause more severe and extensive skin changes than the benign noncancerous form. Some people experience these skin changes on one side of their body only.

This is known as unilateral acanthosis nigricans. Changes to the skin typically develop slowly. Occasionally, they can be present from birth, but they usually appear in childhood or adulthood. They can occur anywhere, but commonly affect the:.

Acanthosis nigricans is not a disease in itself. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying disorder. The skin changes take place when skin cells start to reproduce too quickly. Typically, doctors begin by treating the underlying disorder. Once this is under control, the skin changes often go away.

People who have acanthosis nigricans as a result of obesity or insulin resistance may find that their skin improves once they lose weight. For people with hormonal disorders, acanthosis nigricans may resolve if they get their condition under control using medications, lifestyle changes, and other treatments. People with type 2 diabetes may require medications, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, and dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Once insulin levels become stable, acanthosis nigricans symptoms may resolve. If specific drugs or supplements are causing acanthosis nigricans, then a doctor may recommend avoiding them or switching to an alternative. In most cases, the skin will go back to normal after discontinuing the medication. Malignant acanthosis nigricans may clear up following surgical removal of a cancerous tumor. Other treatments for cancer include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. To reduce the appearance or odor of acanthosis nigricans, some people try cosmetic treatments, such as:.