Learn About Acanthosis Nigricans

What is the definition of Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.

What are the alternative names for Acanthosis Nigricans?

AN; Skin pigment disorder - acanthosis nigricans

What are the causes of 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
What are the symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans?

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.

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What are the current treatments for Acanthosis Nigricans?

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.

Who are the top Acanthosis Nigricans Local Doctors?
Elite in Acanthosis Nigricans
Elite in Acanthosis Nigricans
Paris, FR 

Laurence Mallet-Legeai practices in Paris, France. Mallet-Legeai and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. His top areas of expertise are Hypochondroplasia, Acanthosis Nigricans, Achondroplasia, and Acromicric Dysplasia.

Elite in Acanthosis Nigricans
Elite in Acanthosis Nigricans
No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, 
Shanghai, CN 

Shen Qu practices in Shanghai, China. Qu and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. His top areas of expertise are Type A Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Acanthosis Nigricans, Melasma, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Acanthosis Nigricans
Elite in Acanthosis Nigricans
Flemington Road, 
Parkville, VIC, AU 

Ravi Savarirayan practices in Parkville, Australia. Savarirayan and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans. His top areas of expertise are Achondroplasia, Acanthosis Nigricans, Chondrodystrophy, and X-Linked Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Tarda.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Acanthosis Nigricans?

AN often disappears if the cause can be found and treated.

When should I contact a medical professional for Acanthosis Nigricans?

Contact your provider if you develop areas of thick, dark, velvety skin.

What are the latest Acanthosis Nigricans Clinical Trials?
Clinical Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Facial Pigmentation, and the Relation Between OSA and Vasovagal Symptoms With Resulting Smoking Tendency and the Effect of Treatment in Patients Referred for Sleep Study.

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...

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Comparison of Micro- and Macrovascular Disease(s) in People With Type 2 Diabetes, Who Have Moderate to Severe Acanthosis Nigricans vs. Those Who do Not Have Acanthosis Nigricans

Objectives: To correlate moderate to severe acanthosis nigricans with diabetes complication Methodology: T2DM patient will be recruited from endocrine OPD 1. Clinical History and Examination: 1. General Physical Examination: Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, Blood Pressure, Hand grip. Acanthosis Nigricans. 2. Complications Assessment: Patient will be analysed for: Micro Vascular (a)...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 28, 2024
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

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.