Acanthosis Nigricans or Pigmentosa is a skin disorder characterized by areas of darkened, thick, rough and velvety skin. Normally, it affects the flexible areas and folds of the body, such as the armpits, groins, neck folds, elbows, hands and feet. Among its most common causes are hyperinsulinism, diabetes or obesity, and although there is no specific treatment for its cure, the underlying disease or condition must be treated and some topical drugs can be applied to improve the appearance of the skin. In very few occasions, this skin condition is a warning sign of the presence of a cancerous tumor in an internal organ, but in the diagnostic this must be taken into account.
Acantosis Nigricans: Causes
The Acanthosis Nigricans usually occurs in the body when there are high levels of insulin. This excess of insulin can cause the skin cells to reproduce suddenly and, as a result, the skin becomes thicker, darker, velvety and rough in some areas of the body, with the folds of the neck, the underarms, elbows, groins, knees, hands and feet are the most frequent places of appearance.