Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes areas of dark, thick velvety skin in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck.
Acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) tends to affect people with obesity. Rarely, the skin condition can be a sign of cancer in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver.
Treating the cause of acanthosis nigricans might restore the usual color and texture of the skin.
The main sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It often appears in the armpits, groin and back of the neck. It develops slowly. The affected skin might be itchy, have an odor and develop skin tags.
Consult your health care provider if you notice changes in your skin — especially if the changes are sudden. You may have an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Acanthosis nigricans might be related to:
- Insulin resistance. Most people who have acanthosis nigricans have also become resistant to insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows the body to process sugar. Insulin resistance is what leads to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is also related to polycystic ovarian syndrome and might be a factor in why acanthosis nigricans develops.
- Certain drugs and supplements. High-dose niacin, birth control pills, prednisone and other corticosteroids may cause acanthosis nigricans.
- Cancer. Some types of cancer cause acanthosis nigricans. These include lymphoma and cancers of the stomach, colon and liver.
The risk of acanthosis nigricans is higher in people who have obesity. The risk is also higher in people with a family history of the condition, especially in families where obesity and type 2 diabetes are also common.
People who have acanthosis nigricans are much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Acanthosis nigricans can be detected during a skin exam. To be sure of the diagnosis, your health care provider might take a skin sample (biopsy) to look at under a microscope. Or you may need other tests to find out what’s causing your symptoms.
There’s no specific treatment for acanthosis nigricans. Your care provider might suggest treatments to help with pain and odor, such as skin creams, special soaps, medications and laser therapy.
Treating the underlying cause might help. Examples include:
- Lose weight. If your acanthosis nigricans is caused by obesity, nutritional counseling and losing weight may help.
- Stop medications. If your condition seems to be related to a medication or supplement that you use, your care provider may suggest that you stop using that substance.
- Have surgery. If acanthosis nigricans was triggered by a cancerous tumor, surgery to remove the tumor often clears up the skin symptoms.
References
- AskMayoExpert. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Kang S, et al., eds. Hypermelanoses. In: Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. McGraw Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed April 4, 2022.
- Niacinamide. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed April 4, 2022.
- Gibson LE. Acanthosis nigricans. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2004; doi:10.4065/79.12.1571.
- Dinulos JGH. Cutaneous manifestations of internal disease. In: Habif’s Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 4, 2022.
- Thoenes MM. Acanthosis nigricans: An opportunity for intervention. Journal for Nurse Practitioners. 2012; doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2012.04.010.
- Kang S, et al., eds. Diabetes and other endocrine diseases. In: Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. McGraw Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed April 4, 2022.
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