It isn’t harmful or contagious, although you may not like its appearance.
Insulin causes glucose to be taken into the body cells to be used for energy.
Someone with insulin resistance will require larger amounts of insulin for glucose to be taken into the body tissues.
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Your practitioner may order blood sugar levels or insulin levels.
In some cases, endoscopy or X-rays are needed to check for cancer and other causes.
Treatment
Primary treatment of acanthosis nigricans aims to correct the underlying cause.
Topical retinoids increase the shedding of normal skin cells, which can reduce the appearance of the lesions.
There are also cosmetic treatment options if acanthosis nigricans is severe or does not improve with weight loss.
Treatments includelaser therapy, topical retinoids, anddermabrasion.
These procedures should only be performed by a certified dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acanthosis nigricans are dark patches of thickened, velvety skin.
you’re free to also have acanthosis nigricans without any other medical conditions.
Yes, acanthosis nigricans is more common among people with diabetes than in the general population.
However, you could have acanthosis nigricans even if you don’t have diabetes.
Weight loss and exercise to reverse insulin resistance can often fade acanthosis nigricans.
Yes, a dermatologist can offer specialized treatments for acanthosis nigricans.
Treatments include topical retinoids, dermabrasion, or laser therapy.
Kapoor S.Diagnosis and treatment of acanthosis nigricans.Skinmed.2010;8(3):161-4.
American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: Signs and symptoms.
2013;19(3):358-9. doi:10.4103/0971-6866.120818
American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: Who gets and causes.
Ng HY.Acanthosis nigricans in obese adolescents: prevalence, impact, and management challenges.Adolesc Health Med Ther.
