A dark patch (or band) of velvety skin on your neck, armpit, groin, or elsewhere could be a
Acanthosis nigricans (AN)
This skin condition causes dark patches of velvety skin in body creases such as your neck, armpits, or groin. Sometimes patches appear on your hands, elbows, or knees. Diabetes can cause skin infections or changes such as dark patches on the skin.
One possible sign of prediabetes is darkened skin on certain parts of the body. Affected areas can include the neck, armpits and groin. Classic signs and symptoms that suggest you've moved from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes include: Increased thirst.
If AN is due to an underlying condition, such as diabetes or a hormonal condition, treating the condition will treat the skin problems. Often, weight loss, exercise and a nutritious diet help reduce insulin levels, resulting in improved skin. The patches may even disappear completely.
Doctors can diagnose acanthosis nigricans by looking at the affected skin. Acanthosis nigricans itself isn't harmful or contagious. But it can be a sign that a person is at risk for diabetes. So the doctor may order blood tests to look for diabetes or other conditions associated with it.
Acanthosis nigricans is most commonly associated with diabetes and insulin resistance, but rarely it can be a sign of internal malignancy. It can also occur with hormone disorders or with the use of certain medications like systemic glucocorticoids and oral contraceptives.
Eruptive xanthomatosis is another condition caused by diabetes that's out of control. It consists of firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin. Each bump has a red halo and may itch. This condition occurs most often on the backs of hands, feet, arms, legs, and buttocks.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – many inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and allergy to products like deodorant can cause darkening of the skin in the armpits and groin, especially in those with skin of colour.
In rare instances, this condition can be found in areas other than skin folds, such as extensor surfaces of the fingers. Acanthosis nigricans can be confused with physiologic hyperpigmentation or lichen simplex chronicus in some patients.
But that doesn't mean abdominal weight gain should be ignored. It can be an early sign of so-called "diabetic belly," a build-up of visceral fat in your abdomen which may be a symptom of type 2 diabetes and can increase your chances of developing other serious medical conditions.
Take care when cleaning your skin
Do not shower more than once a day, and for no longer than five minutes. Keep the water temperature below 37°C. If you bathe, use a moisturizing oil – try not to use bubble bath or bath salts.
There's no cure for diabetes and no way to completely get rid of it. However, diabetes can be reversed in most people. Reversing diabetes means carefully managing blood sugars to a point where medications are no longer necessary, and staying at that manageable point through a healthy routine of diet and exercise.
The melanocytes in your skin produce melanin, and they are highly susceptible to hormonal changes, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Some areas, such as the skin around your nipples and anus, get significantly darker.
Causes of acanthosis nigricans
The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is obesity. Other causes include: type 2 diabetes. conditions that affect hormone levels – such as Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome or an underactive thyroid.
Drinking enough water is important for everyone, but it's especially important for people with diabetes. Aim for at least eight cups of water per day and try to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
Digital sclerosis: Some people with Type 1 diabetes develop hardened, thick, waxy skin on the backs of their hands. The finger joints stiffen, making movement difficult. A related rash is scleredema adultorum of Bushke which is tightness, thickening, and hardening of the back, neck, shoulders and face.
Hyperglycemia occurs when the level of blood glucose gets too high. Hyperglycemia can affect people of any age and can cause a range of symptoms, including excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, and/or an urge to urinate larger amounts than usual.
Itching is a symptom of liver disease. You might itch anywhere on your body, but it's most common on the arms and legs, or the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Some people itch all over. Itching in liver disease can vary from mild to exhausting.