Pictures of Acanthosis Nigricans (ie Dark patches of skin)

[KatCarney]

[coverattach=1]What is acanthosis nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder characterised by darkening (hyperpigmentation) and thickening (hyperkeratosis) of the skin, occurring mainly in the folds of the skin in the armpit (axilla), groin and back of the neck.

Acanthosis nigricans is not a skin disease per se but a cutaneous sign of an underlying condition or disease.

There are two important types of acanthosis: benign and malignant. Although classically described as a sign of internal malignancy, this is very rare. Benign types, sometimes described as ‘pseudoacanthosis nigricans’ are much more common. [coverattach=2]

What is the treatment for acanthosis nigricans?

The primary aim of treatment is to correct the underlying disease process. Often correcting the underlying cause results in resolution of the lesions.

• Correct hyperinsulinaemia through diet and medication
• Lose weight with obesity-associated AN
• Excise or treat underlying tumour
• Stop offending medicines in drug-induced AN
• In hereditary AN, lesions tend to enlarge gradually before stabilising and/or regressing on their own.

[coverattach=3]There is no specific treatment for AN. Treatments considered are used primarily to improve cosmetic appearance and include topical retinoids, dermabrasion and laser therapy.

source: http://dermnetnz.org/systemic/acanthosis-nigricans.html

DOWNLOAD PDF: http://dermnetnz.org/systemic/pdf/ac...-dermnetnz.pdf

[KatCarney]

HEre are some more images.

[KatCarney]

Treatments and drugs
There's no specific treatment for acanthosis nigricans. Treating any underlying conditions may cause the skin changes to fade, however. If you're overweight, losing excess pounds can help. Sometimes dietary changes are helpful, too.

Lightening affected areas
If you're concerned about the appearance of your skin, your doctor may prescribe a cream or lotion to help lighten the affected areas. Some of these lotions contain modified vitamin A products, such as tretinoin (Retin-A, others), or other medications. Sometimes oral medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane, others), are helpful. Fish oil supplements also may be recommended. Dermabrasion or laser therapy may help reduce the thickness of certain affected areas.

source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aca...ents-and-drugs

[ForeverCurious]

thank you for posting this thread, Ive never really known how to research this problem but at least know where to start to learn more about it. thanks

[wndytime]

I used to have pretty dark patches in my underarms. I started to get huge painful cysts that would drain and they were really gross The patches would get itchy, it was horrible. Since, I only had it in my underarm area I thought that it could be deodorant induced. I stopped using deodorant, that didn't work out well. So, after several unsucessful attempts at finding the right deodorant, I started using a natural deodorant made out of aloe vera and almond and it has been great! The dark patches have actually gotten lighter. I don't know if it has to do with the ingredients in the deodorant itself or perhaps that my meds have really helped correct this problem...but I wanted to share. Oh, the name of the deodorant is Alvera, I originally found it at Publix (which is the big grocery store chains in South Florida), but I have also seen it online at luckyvitamin.com.

Hope this helps someone!

Hugs!

[mamagato]

I have it on the back of my neck, and where my legs meet my groin. It faded with fat loss and I occasionally use a sugar scrub to remove the dead cells. Thanks to the poster above on the tip about Alvera, we have Publix in my area.

[Renay]

Thanks for this post, I have dark areas on my neck, under my armpits, and under my breast.

I am hoping these would fade with my weight loss.

What are some extreme cases of this ancanthosis Nigricans?

[MsRiddle001]

I have it on the back of my neck, and where my legs meet my groin. It faded with fat loss and I occasionally use a sugar scrub to remove the dead cells. Thanks to the poster above on the tip about Alvera, we have Publix in my area.

I'm hoping mine will fade with weightloss, I hate it, it makes me feel unclean.