Acanthosis Nigricans - Information on Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans Information

Acanthosis Nigricans is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Acanthosis Nigricans may occur to the people at any age. Acanthosis Nigricans is related to insulin metabolism and appears in diseases which affect insulin metabolism including obesity.

Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be associated with medical problems. Some cases are genetically inherited. People with cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts or with lymphoma can also develop severe cases of acanthosis nigricans. It is most common among people of African descent.Obesity can lead to acanthosis nigricans, as can many endocrine disorders. It is frequently found in people with diabetes .Some drugs, particularly hormones such as human growth hormone or oral contraceptives ("the pill"), can also cause acanthosis nigricans.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Acanthosis Nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that signals high insulin levels in the body. Insulin is produced by an organ called the pancreas.

Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans

The cause of the Acanthosis Nigricans is unknown.

Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans usually appears slowly and doesn't cause any symptoms other than skin changes. Certain medications — such as human growth hormone, oral contraceptives and large doses of niacin — can contribute to the condition. Other hormone problems, endocrine disorders or tumors may play a role as well. Rarely, acanthosis nigricans is associated with certain types of cancer. acanthosis nigricans.Dark, velvety skin with very visible markings and creases appears in the armpits, groin, and neck. Sometimes, the lips, palms, soles of feet, or other areas may be affected.Your physician can usually diagnosis acanthosis nigricans by simply looking at your skin. A skin biopsy may be needed in unusual cases. If your insulin level is too high, the extra insulin may trigger activity in your skin cells. This may cause the characteristic skin changes.

• Dark and velvety skin
• painless area of darkened, slightly raised skin
• Itch
• visible markings and creases appears in the armpits, groin, and neck

Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans

Treatments of acanthosis nigricans include the following:

• antibiotic ointments or creams
• retinoids, taken orally or used in a cream
• topical corticosteroid creams
• weight loss to lower insulin resistance