The darkening of the skin in the neck, nape, armpit and groin area can not only bother your look but also can be a sign for a disease like such as diabetes or hormonal disorder. Acanthosisnigricans is illness manifested with dark, thick, velvety discoloration on the skin folds. The discolorations mat vary from light brown to black and can be found on your groin, armpit, neck and under your breasts. The illness develops within any age group and children with it have higher risk of having type 2 diabetes.
The condition can manifest slowly over the span of few months even a year. The affected parts of the skin may itch and smell. The acanthosisnigricans can occur to healthy people but is mostly associated with obesity.
Resistance to insulin therapy
The hormone Insulin helps the body process sugar and is produced in the pancreas. People with acanthosisnigricans are resistant to insulin. These individuals have higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The insulin resistance occurs when you eat too much sugar or starches thus making your insulin level much higher. People with the condition have much higher insulin level than the ones with the same weight that are not affected by it. The Acanthosisnigricans is caused by the higher insulin levels which activates the insulin receptors in the skin and making it grow.
Changes in the hormonal balance
Hormonal disorders that can cause Acanthosisnigricans are:
Brain pituitary glands disorders
Adidison’s disease or other misbalance of hormones from the adrenal gland
Using growth hormnes
Hypothyroidism
Specific drugs usage
Individuals using oral contraceptives, niacin in high doses, or other corticosteroids have higher risk of getting Acanthosisnigricans.
Cancer related illnesses
Acanthosisnigricans can occur to women with ovarian cysts or lymphoma and cancers in the internal organs.
Overweight
Continued weight gaining can lead to Acanthosisnigricans.
Race
People from African or Native Americans are at higher risk of the condition.
Heredity
Some variations of the illness may be inherited.
What is the course of action if you are Acanthosisnigricans? There is not any defined medication for Acanthosisnigricans. Threating the other diseases like obesity and diabetes makes the discoloration of the skin disappear and return your original skin color. Doctors often prescribe lotions or creams for lightening the affected skin. The creams and lotions usualy contain high levels of vitamin A, Alpha hydroxyl acids, urea and salicylic acid. Some parts of the skin can be treated with dermabrasion and laser therapy. Before stopping taking medications to reduce the Acanthosisnigricans consult your doctor.
Avoiding the risk factors for Acanthosisnigricans is very important. Changes in lifestyle are important in preventing skin conditions. Having a healthy diet is helpful when you are obese. Also with including exercise and healthier food in your diet you are restraining the condition to spread and develop. Ward of the drugs may help the condition to advance.