What is acanthosis nigricans?
The development of a dark, velvet ring or hyperpigmentation, around the neck is not always a sign that the individual must pay more attention to hygiene. It is often an indicator of basic health. While these dark spots may occur in healthy people, dark rings or spots that appear on the skin known as acanthosis nigricans, are a characteristic feature of many insulin -related problems. The good news is that, with the exception of very rare cases, Acanthosis nigricans disappears when the basic causes are treated.
Acanthosis nigricans is often present in individuals who have a higher level of insulin than the average person, and this excess of insulin causes cells that produce pigmentation or melanocytes. High insulin levels can be the result of several conditions, including diabetes, pre-diabetes and insulin resistance, sometimes known as metabolic syndrome or X syndrome.Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS. While the cause of diabetes is relatively well known, the duo of insulin resistance and PCOS is quite mysterious, with poor diet, obesity, genetic predisposition, drugs and environment, each of which was cited as a cause. Which of the cited risk factors is the cause of insulin resistance and which are symptoms still unclear.
Acanthosis nigricans may be present on any part of the body, but usually occurs in areas where it overlaps or folds of skin, such as the back of the neck, armpits, groin or stomach. In rare cases, it is found on other parts of the body, such as the back or legs. This symptom is cited as most often in people of African origin, as with the under 40 years of age, but can be found in any segment of the population.
During the overproduction of insulin is the main cause of acantózynigricans,This can also be caused by other problems, usually problems related to the endocrine or hormonal system. In people with Addison's disease, Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism, as well as in the pituitary disorders and in humans undergoing hormonal growth therapy, acanthosis nigricans was observed. In rare cases, acanthosis nigricans is manifested as a symptom of malignant cancer, usually stomach or uterus. If the typical risk factors of insulin -related problems are not observed, it may be necessary for doctors to do further diagnostic testing to eliminate more serious conditions.
Acanthosis nigricans treatment often involves changing diet, change or adding drugs and cosmetic treatments to reduce the appearance of the affected areas. Due to a hint of more serious health problems, individuals who believe that they have acanthosis should seek treatment of a dermatologist, endocrinologist or family physiccian. Medical experts can often confirm that the problem is inE Acanthosis nigricans just look at the area of the skin in question and then by performing diagnostic tests to determine the cause accordingly.