What is Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes darkening and thickening of skin around body folds, including the neck folds, armpits, elbows, knees, or groin. It is commonly seen in people who are obese. Acanthosis nigricans is becoming more common in children due to the increase in child obesity rates. In general, acanthosis nigricans seems to be most common in Native Americans followed by African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians.

Acanthosis nigricans can signal other metabolic or hormonal problems:

• Glucose resistance
• Insulin resistance
• Pre-Diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Acromegaly (overproduction of growth hormone)
• High blood pressure and triglyceride levels
• Cushings's syndrome

Acanthosis nigricans can also appear when you take certain medicines, such as nicotinic acid, diethylstibestrol, contraceptives, heroin, and steroids. Acanthosis nigricans usually disappears 4 to 10 weeks after stopping usage of those medications.

How long will the effects last?

Acanthosis nigricans will last as long as the underlying cause is present. If you have insulin resistance or diabetes, the rash may improve or go away with weight loss or other treatment of the diabetes. If the acanthosis nigricans is due to cancer, then your skin may become more normal after the tumor is removed.