What do you need to know about acanthosis nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans

It is a skin condition, where the actual cause of it may be elsewhere in the body. It is a velvety, brown, hyperpigmented area in the skin, which most of the time appears in a symmetrical fashion (both sides of the body at similar positions). Sometimes, there may be skin overgrowth.

[image source]

Why does acanthosis nigricans appear in some persons?

It may be a normal skin condition. Some people from Asian races may have it. However, it may be one of the manifestations of other disease conditions in our body. Such as:

It is commonly seen in an obese person. Also seen in a patient with insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus. Under-function of the thyroid gland known as hypothyroidism and over-function of cortisol hormones (commonly known as the stress hormone) in a patient with Cushing's syndrome may be associated with acanthosis nigricans. Another hormonal dysfunction, acromegaly due to excess growth hormone, is the cause of this skin condition.

Ladies who are taking OCP (oral contraceptive pills) or suffering from a polycystic ovarian condition (PCOS/PCOD) or having an androgen-secreting tumour [An androgen is any natural or synthetic steroid hormone which regulates the development and maintenance of male characteristics; Wikipedia ] may have acanthosis nigricans in their skin.

Acanthosis nigricans may be just an external manifestation of internal malignancies/cancers notably cancer of the stomach or lungs. It is also seen in Lymphoma patients.

Common places for acanthosis nigricans in our body:

It appears commonly in the neck, armpits, groins and face. However, it is seen in other places as well. The following image shows the common and uncommon place of occurrence of acanthosis nigricans.

My own image made using the information obtained during my study

A few other images of Acanthosis nigricans:

 

Acanthosis nigricans on the back of the neck Source

Acanthosis nigricans in the hands (knuckle) Source

Acanthosis nigricans in knees Source

Facial acanthosis nigricans Source