Why does the neck get dark?

Author: Suzanne Wintheiser  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

The cause may be as simple as sun exposure. It is not contagious and is generally benign (not harmful), but it may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Common causes include acanthosis nigricans, dermatitis neglecta, and drug-induced hyperpigmentation. Treatments for dark neck vary depending on the cause.

Does dark neck mean diabetes?

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.

What causes dark neck?

Causes and treatment of a black neck. The skin on the neck is prone to darkening. This may be due to hormones, sun exposure, or other skin-related conditions. A person whose neck darkens or turns black may also notice changes to the texture of their skin, such as thickening or feeling softer than the surrounding skin.

What deficiency causes dark neck?

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.

Which vitamin is good for a dark neck?

Vitamin C helps reduce skin pigmentation and nourish the skin. Vitamin E is an important ingredient to moisturize the skin.

ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS: Q&A WITH DERMATOLOGIST DR DRAY

What hormonal imbalance causes dark neck?

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.

Will my dark neck ever go away?

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.

Why is my private area dark?

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.

How to get rid of dark neck with coffee?

Tan Removal

Take one tablespoon of coffee powder and one tablespoon of lemon juice in a bowl. Stir the mixture until it becomes lump-free. Apply it to the face and neck. Rinse the pack after about 12-15 minutes and pat the face dry.

How to clean a neck?

Exfoliate: 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.

What three drinks should diabetics avoid?

What are the worst drinks for diabetes?
  • Fruit juice (unless treating low blood sugar)
  • Sweetened coffee or tea.
  • Sweetened sports drinks and energy drinks.
  • Regular soda.

Does black neck mean diabetes?

Light brown or black skin patches may be a sign of acanthosis nigricans. This treatable skin disorder isn't contagious or dangerous. However, it can be a sign of diabetes, so talk to your healthcare provider. Often, treating diabetes (or another underlying cause) causes the skin to clear up.

How to get rid of dark neck with toothpaste?

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.

How to remove dark spots in 5 minutes?

Ways to Remove Dark Spots Naturally and Medically
  1. Aloe Vera. Using aloe vera gel is a natural way to get rid of dark spots on the face that you can try. ...
  2. Honey. ...
  3. Green Tea. ...
  4. Turmeric Mask. ...
  5. Skin-Brightening Cream. ...
  6. Chemical Peeling. ...
  7. Laser Treatment. ...
  8. Microdermabrasion.

What causes dark neck and armpits?

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.

What color should a healthy vagaina be?

Most women's vulva appears to be some shade of red, pink, or burgundy, but this will vary from woman to woman depending on skin tone and other factors. The color will often change over time, such as after puberty, following sexual intercourse, or with arousal.

How to tighten your Virginia naturally?

To perform Kegel exercises, you need first to locate your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles that you use to stop the flow of urine midstream. Once you have located the muscles, contract them for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Repeat this ten times in a row, then rest for a minute.

How do I get rid of dark neck ASAP?

High in citric acid and Vitamin C, lemon juice does wonders in treating the darkness around the neck. Squeeze out some lemon juice and apply it on the neck, leave it to dry for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. If you have sensitive skin, you can mix some rosewater with the juice too.

How to exfoliate the 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!

What does a ring around your neck mean?

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.

Why is neck turning black?

The cause may be as simple as sun exposure. It is not contagious and is generally benign (not harmful), but it may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Common causes include acanthosis nigricans, dermatitis neglecta, and drug-induced hyperpigmentation. Treatments for dark neck vary depending on the cause.

Which cream is best for dark neck and underarms?

Neck Creams Bestsellers
  • Bioderma Brightening Cream - Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas - External Intimate & Friction Care,
  • Chemist at Play Vitamin C Neck Knee Elbow Brightening Roll On for Men & Women,
  • ECOVANI Organics Neck & Back Whitening Scrub,
  • Luxuri Double Chin Neck Firming Cream,

What is the fastest way to get rid of age spots at home?

There are several at-home treatments that can reduce the look of age spots, including:
  1. Exfoliation. Skin cells regenerate about every month or so. ...
  2. Vitamin C serums. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps brighten skin and stimulates collagen production. ...
  3. Skin brightening serums. ...
  4. Prescription topicals. ...
  5. Chemical peels.

Previous article
Which face shape looks best bald?
Next article
What face shape does a butterfly cut look good on?