Do I Have Acanthosis Nigricans?

Do you have thickened brown velvety textured patches of skin in the armpit, groin and back of your neck?

Do you have multiple finger-like growths (papillomatosis) on your skin or mucosal surfaces?

Do you have skin tags in and around affected areas?

Do you have itching in the affected areas?

Does your skin have a specific odor in the affected area?

Do you have lesions on the mucous membranes of the nose, oral cavity, esophagus, or larynx?

If you are a woman, do you have lesions on your nipple?

Do your skin lesions appear slowly?

Have you noticed nail changes, such as thickened nails or a white spots on your nails?

Do you have any of the following condition: being overweight, diabetes, Cushing syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, or Crouzon syndrome?

Do you have a family member who has a diagnosis of acanthosis nigricans?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by dark, velvety patches of skin that usually appear in the body folds and creases. It most often occurs in the folds of skin in the armpit, back of the neck and groin. Sometimes, the skin in the affected area can be thickened. Skin changes usually appear gradually.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans refer to the darkening and thickening of the skin that appear mainly in the body areas with many creases and folds. The skin stays soft in the affected area so it is usually described as velvety. There are two main types of acanthosis: benign and malignant. Malignant acanthosis is a sign of a cancerous tumor in an internal organ (the stomach or liver), but it is very rare. Commonly, acanthosis is associated with obesity, diabetes, genetics, hormonal disorders, or can be induced by certain medications. Diagnosing is based on a skin examination.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is a medical term for dark and thick patches or streaks that appear in skin areas with creases and folds, such as the sides and back of the neck, armpits, elbows, knees, and groin. Some people have these changes on the palms of their hands. Acanthosis nigricans is usually related to some underlying health problem. It is wise to see a doctor, whenever you notice a change in the texture or color of your skin. There is no specific treatment for this condition. The treatment goal is to correct the underlying cause.