Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes areas of dark, thick velvety skin in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck. Acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) tends to affect people with obesity.
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.
Acanthosis nigricans can cause dark, thick skin on the neck. The skin may have a similar texture to velvet. This condition can appear suddenly, but it is not contagious nor does it present a danger to a person's health. People who are obese and those with diabetes are at greater risk of the condition.
In people with polycystic ovary syndrome, skin in the armpits, on the nape of the neck, and in skinfolds may become dark and thick (a disorder called acanthosis nigricans). In dark-skinned people, the skin may have a leathery appearance (bottom photo).
Causes of acanthosis nigricans
conditions that affect hormone levels – such as Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome or an underactive thyroid. taking certain medicines – including steroids or hormone treatments like the contraceptive pill.
Treating the underlying cause of acanthosis nigricans can make the dark patches of skin fade or even disappear. This can mean stopping any medicine that's causing the problem or treating diabetes and other health conditions. Losing weight will help acanthosis nigricans fade.
Add half teaspoon white toothpaste and 1-2 teaspoon coconut oil and mix well. Apply this paste thoroughly on the neck, elbows and underarms. Take a small piece of lemon and rub it gently. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes.
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.
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.
Weekly exfoliation is key for a smooth, radiant neck. It removes dead skin cells, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin. Try a homemade scrub with brown sugar, lemon, and honey, or choose Garnier SkinActive BlackHead Eliminating Scrub with Charcoal for a refreshing, invigorating experience.
When your doctor or nurse did your exam, they pointed out a dark skin patch on your neck, armpit, under the breast or a skin crease. This dark patch is called acanthosis nigricans (AAY-can-THO-sis NIG-ruh-cans), or AN. It is usually a sign that your body is making extra insulin that it cannot use well.
Over-the-counter or dermatologist-recommended creams with ingredients like glycolic acid, retinol, or niacinamide can effectively help lighten pigmentation and nourish the skin.. Try targeted dark neck creams for optimal results.
In some cases, dark neck may be a sign of an underlying health issue that affects pigmentation, like acanthosis nigricans . 2 It's important for a healthcare provider to check out dark skin that could be related to diabetes, a thyroid disorder, a fungal infection, or another cause.
In a few African and Asian cultures, neck rings are worn usually to create the appearance that the neck has been stretched. The custom of wearing neck rings is related to an ideal of beauty: an elongated neck.
Exfoliate weekly
Since your neck is delicate, we recommend a gentle enzyme or acid exfoliator like the Enzyme Exfoliant. Simply apply a thin layer over your face, neck, and décolletage before your shower—easy peasy!
PCOS belly occurs when you develop excess fat or weight gain around your abdomen. This symptom often occurs due to an underlying diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance due to PCOS can influence your weight, causing you to gain unwanted weight.
In PCOS, the blood contains an excess of androgens giving rise to symptoms, such as acne, excess body hair, and menstrual irregularities. The excess of androgens is associated with imbalances in other hormones (such as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone).
Ovarian cysts and PCOS are related conditions with many of the same symptoms, meaning that women often confuse the two, or wrongly believe that they have PCOS when they do not.