Acanthosis NigricansSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.
AN; Skin pigment disorder - acanthosis nigricans
AN can affect otherwise healthy people. It can also be related to medical problems, such as:
- Genetic disorders, including Down syndrome and Alström syndrome
- Hormone imbalances that occur in diabetes and obesity, often called insulin resistance
- Cancer, such as cancer of the digestive system, liver, kidney, bladder, or lymphoma
- Some medicines, including hormones such as human growth hormone or birth control pills
AN usually appears slowly and doesn't cause any symptoms other than skin changes. If it develops rapidly, in a widespread fashion, an association with cancer should be considered.
Eventually, dark, velvety skin with very visible markings and creases appears in the armpits, groin and neck folds, and over the joints of the fingers and toes.
Sometimes, the lips, palms, soles of the feet, or other areas are affected. These symptoms are more common in people with cancer.
No treatment is needed, as AN only causes a change in skin color. If the condition is affecting your appearance, using moisturizers containing ammonium lactate, tretinoin, or hydroquinone can help lighten the skin. Your provider may also suggest laser treatment.
It is important to treat any underlying medical problem that may be causing these skin changes. When AN is related to diabetes, insulin resistance, or obesity, addressing these conditions should be the focus of treatment.
St. Louis Children's Hospital
Stephen Stone is a Pediatric Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Stone is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Type A Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Acanthosis Nigricans, Diabetes Insipidus (DI), and Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
St. Christopher's Pediatric Associates Endocrinology - E. Erie Avenue
Rita Kubicky is a Pediatric Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kubicky is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. She is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Type A Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Acanthosis Nigricans, Albright's Hereditary Osteodystrophy, and Pseudohypoparathyroidism. Dr. Kubicky is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics.
Laurence Mallet-Legeai practices practicing medicine in Paris, France. Mr. Mallet-Legeai is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hypochondroplasia, Acanthosis Nigricans, Achondroplasia, and Acromicric Dysplasia.
AN often disappears if the cause can be found and treated.
Contact your provider if you develop areas of thick, dark, velvety skin.
Summary: The goal of this prospective cohort study is to study patients referred for sleep study by in-lab polysomnography in the Jordan University Hospital and the Jordan Hospital or with an at-home sleep study kit. The main aims are: * To prospectively obtain demographic and clinical information of patients referred for a sleep study. * To determine the diagnostic value of facial discoloration as potenti...
Published Date: April 09, 2026
Published By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dinulos JGH. Cutaneous manifestations of internal disease. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 26.
James WD. Endocrine diseases. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 19.