Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition in which dark, velvety markings appear on the skin.
What are the causes?
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A hormonal or glandular disorder, such as diabetes.
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Obesity.
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Certain medicines, such as birth control pills.
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A tumor. This is rare.
Some people inherit the condition from their parents.
What increases the risk?
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Have a hormonal or glandular disorder.
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Are overweight.
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Take certain medicines.
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Have certain cancers, especially stomach cancer.
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Have dark-colored skin (dark complexion).
What are the signs or symptoms?
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The markings usually appear on the face. They may also appear in skin fold areas at the neck, armpits, inner thighs, and groin.
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In severe cases, markings may also appear on the lips, hands, breasts, eyelids, and mouth.
How is this diagnosed?
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A skin sample may be removed for testing (skin biopsy).
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You may also have tests to help determine the cause of the condition.
How is this treated?
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Dietary changes, such as avoiding starchy foods and sugars.
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Losing weight.
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Medicines.
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Medicines to improve the appearance of the skin.
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Laser treatment to improve the appearance of the skin.
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Surgical removal of the skin markings (dermabrasion).
Follow these instructions at home:
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Follow diet instructions from your health care provider.
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Lose weight if you are overweight.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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New skin markings develop on a part of the body where they rarely develop, such as on your lips, hands, breasts, eyelids, or mouth.
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The condition recurs for an unknown reason.
Summary
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Acanthosis nigricans is a condition in which dark, velvety markings appear on the skin.
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Treatment for this condition depends on the cause. Treatment may include dietary changes, medicines, laser treatment, or surgery.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Contact a health care provider if new skin markings develop on a part of the body where they rarely develop, such as on your lips, hands, breasts, eyelids, or mouth.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
