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:
AN usually appears slowly and doesn't cause any symptoms other than skin changes.
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 obesity, losing weight often improves the condition.
Laurence Mallet-Legeai practices in Paris, France. Mallet-Legeai is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hypochondroplasia, Achondroplasia, Thanatophoric Dysplasia, and Acanthosis Nigricans.
Shen Qu practices in Shanghai, China. Qu is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. He is also highly rated in 22 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Acanthosis Nigricans, Type A Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Melasma, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.
Ravi Savarirayan practices in Parkville, Australia. Savarirayan is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. He is also highly rated in 35 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Achondroplasia, Type A Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Acanthosis Nigricans, and Short Stature (Growth Disorders).
AN often disappears if the cause can be found and treated.
Contact your provider if you develop areas of thick, dark, velvety skin.
Summary: Mexico is going through a major environmental and nutritional crisis, which is related to unsustainable dietary behaviors. Sustainable diets could solve both problems together. However, in Mexico and the world, an intervention program oriented to promoting sustainable diets has not been designed. This study protocol aims to design a 3-stages, 15 weeks, sustainable-psycho-nutritional digital interv...
Summary: The aim of the study is the adaption, implementation and validation of the instrument for the investigation of the short stature specific quality of life (QoLISSY) for children (age 0-4 years) with achondroplasia (ACH), Small for Gestational Age (SGA) and Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) from a parental perspective.
Published Date: May 31, 2022
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.
Patterson JW. Miscellaneous conditions. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 20.