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Acanthosis Nigricans

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Condition Detail

Definition

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition in which brown or black velvet-like markings appear under the arms, in the groin, or on the back of the neck. Any skin fold can be affected, including the lower lip and chin.

Causes

Causes of acanthosis nigricans may include:

High insulin levels in people who are obese
A family history of acanthosis nigricans
Rarely, a cancerous tumor

Risk Factors

Acanthosis nigricans is more common in people of African-American decent. Other factors that increase your chances of getting acanthosis nigricans include:

Being overweight
Type 2 diabetes
Polycystic ovary syndrome

Symptoms

Symptoms include velvety-looking, dark areas anywhere on the skin.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:

Skin biopsy
Blood tests
X-rays
Endoscopy

Endoscopy

Treatment

Treatment often involves treating the underlying cause. For example, if acanthosis nigricans is due to obesity, weight loss can improve the skin condition.

Topical and oral retinoids and other medicines have been reported to improve appearance in some cases. They help remove excess layers of skin.

Prevention

To reduce your chances of getting acanthosis nigricans, take these steps:

Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a balanced diet
Get regular exercise most days of the week
Talk to your doctor about your blood sugar levels

RESOURCES

National Organization for Rare Diseases http://www.rarediseases.org

American Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Dermatologists.ca http://www.dermatologists.ca

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References

Acanthosis nigricans. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated December 10, 2010. Accessed June 3, 2013.

Clark N, Stulberg DL, Tovey D. Common hyperpigmentation disorders in adults: part II. Melanoma, seborrheic keratoses, acanthosis nigricans, melasma, diabetic dermopathy, tinea versicolor, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(10).

Katz AS, Goff DC, et al. Acanthosis nigricans in obese patients: presentations and implications for prevention of atherosclerotis vascular disease. Dermatol Online J . 2000;6(1):1.

10/15/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Kong AS, Williams RL, Smith M, et al. Acanthosis nigricans and diabetes risk factors: prevalence in young persons seen in southwestern US primary care practices. Ann Fam Med. 2007;5(3):202-208. Kong AS, Williams RL, Rhyne R, et al. Acanthosis Nigricans: high prevalence and association with diabetes in a practice-based research network consortium—a PRImary care Multi-Ethnic network (PRIME Net) study. J Am Board Fam Med. 2010;23(4):476-485.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 06/2013 -
Update Date: 06/03/2013 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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