Dark rings or spots on the skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, can be an indicator of underlying health conditions such as insulin-related problems, diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Treatment includes a change in diet, medication, and cosmetic treatments. Medical professionals can confirm the condition and determine the cause through diagnostic tests.
Developing a dark, velvety ring, or hyperpigmentation, around the neck is not always a sign that the individual needs to pay more attention to hygiene. It is often an indicator of an underlying health condition. While these dark spots can appear in healthy people, the dark rings or spots that appear on the skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, are a hallmark of many insulin-related problems. The good news is that, except in very rare cases, this condition goes away when the underlying causes are treated.
Acanthosis nigricans is often seen in individuals who have a higher insulin level than the average person, and this excess insulin triggers a production of pigmentation-producing cells, or melanocytes. An elevated insulin level can be the result of several conditions, including diabetes, pre-diabetes and insulin resistance, also known as metabolic syndrome or syndrome X. Insulin resistance is becoming more common and in female patients it is often the result of polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS. While the cause of diabetes is fairly well known, the duo of insulin resistance and PCOS is quite enigmatic, with poor diet, obesity, genetic predisposition, medications and the environment cited as the cause. Which of the risk factors mentioned are a cause of insulin resistance, and what the symptoms are, is not yet clear.
Acanthosis nigricans can be present on any part of the body, but is typically found in areas where the skin overlaps or folds, 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 backs of the hands or feet. This symptom is cited as occurring most commonly in people of African descent, as well as those under the age of 40, but can be found in any segment of the population.
While overproduction of insulin is the main cause of acanthosis nigricans, it can also be caused by other problems, usually those related to the endocrine or hormonal system. This condition has been seen in people with Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism, as well as those with pituitary gland disorders and those undergoing growth hormone therapy. In rare cases, the condition manifests itself as a symptom of malignant cancer, usually of the stomach or uterus. If typical risk factors for insulin-related problems aren’t seen, doctors may need to run further diagnostic tests to rule out more serious conditions.
Treatment of acanthosis nigricans often includes a change in diet, a change or addition of medications, and cosmetic treatments to reduce the appearance of the affected areas. Due to the indication of more serious medical problems, people who believe they have this disorder should seek treatment from a dermatologist, endocrinologist or family doctor. Medical professionals can often confirm that the problem is, indeed, acanthosis nigricans simply by looking at the area of skin in question and then performing diagnostic tests to determine the cause accordingly.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
