Dark patches

charly · 09-17-2002, 10:49 AM

I was just wondering if the acanthosis nigricans comes as a result of IR or just because of being overweight?
I developed very dark patches all around my neck armpits and upper thighs and was too embarassed to ask the dr so I looked it up in a dermatology textbook. It only said that it would probably go if the affected person lost weight which I took to mean that it was because of the weight but I always tried to look at the necks of other overweight people and I've yet to see it.
i really hate it and will only wear my hair down and long sleeved tops. I am waiting for an appointment with the endo which I hope will come soon.
I also have lots of skin tags, are they related?

Hezzer · 09-17-2002, 12:45 PM

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) although often related to insulin resistance can also be experienced by those not insulin resistant.

Most overweight people do not have the dark patches. Therefore, it would seem that being overweight with PCOS is more of a factor.

Losing weight is said to "minimize" it's appearance, but it will not probably disappear completely.

Skin tags are also associated with PCOS and acanthosis nigricans are are often found near or on the dark patches.

Some cysters have had great success with a prescription cream from the dermatologist. It's below:

Quote:

My prescription for acanthosis nigricans is as follows:

3% salycic acid(not sure of spelling)
and equal parts of:
Vitamin A acid cream(.25%)
desonide cream

If you run a search under acanthosis nigricans you will find more information, tips and feedback from other cysters.

Smitygirl · 09-17-2002, 01:30 PM

My entire family is overweight, insulin resistant and most of us have PCOS. We also have AN. Who knows what the connection is, if any? I've lost tons of weight, and haven't noticed anything. Laser sugery might be able to correct this, but who can afford it?

I'm glad I have it in places that are covered by my clothes...

Diane In Colorado · 09-19-2002, 02:07 PM

I too had the dark patches under my arms for over 2 years. Until I was diagnosed, and started a low carb diet. I swear, within 2-3 weeks, they were gone.
And I was insulin resistant, and my doc told me that is why I had them. Not true in every case, but was in mine.

Gelene · 09-20-2002, 04:36 AM

I have AN not only under my arms, around my neck, thighs, and under my breast but also two BIG DARK circles around my eyes!
I always have people asking"who hit you" or "what happened"

Anyway my endo said it was a sure sign of increased glucose levels even though I have never tested high. I think it's all the weird ups and downs of being IR.

I do belive it does have some to do with being over weight. When I lost 50# on Phen-Phen the dark patches almost went clear away.

MaLee · 09-20-2002, 04:48 AM

I had them under my brests and on my thighs. While on Met. they went away. Since I'm off of it now, the patches on my thighs have returned.