Causes and risk factors
Acanthosis nigricans occurs due to various causes such as endocrine, drug induced or hereditary. Endocrine diseases include type 2 diabetes i.e. due to resistance to insulin, thyroid disease, Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, PCOD, acromegaly. Cancer growth in an internal organ is also one of the causes for Acanthosis nigricans. Drugs used as hormonal therapy, or use of steroids can cause this disease. Obese people, Dark skinned people are at higher risk.
Clinical presentation
It presents as dark coloured patches in the areas such as armpits, groin, neck region, umbilicus, and forehead. The skin is thickened and it may smell bad. Sometimes it is accompanied with itching.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the dermatologist helps in diagnosis. Skin biopsy may be done in some cases. Blood tests may be advised to find the underlying cause.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon treating the underlying cause. In case of obesity losing weight will help treating the disease. The patches may fade away if the cause is treated. Cosmetic treatment and use of skin lightners is done in some cases. Laser treatment may be useful.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating Acanthosis nigricans. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating Acanthosis nigricans.
