ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

 

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.

 

 

General Information:

 

Acanthosis Nigricans:

  • Appears as brown velvety skin changes and is sometimes mistaken for dirt

  • Is not due to lack of washing or scrubbing the skin

  • It usually affects the back of the neck, underarms, groins

  • Rarely it may involve the tops of the fingers, hands, feet and toes.

  • In more severe cases may be associated with the development of skin tags

  • May be related to:

    • Weight Gain and Obesity

    • Hormonal Irregularities (e.g. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Irregular Periods)

    • Diabetes

Medical Treatment:

  • There is no specific treatment for this disorder

  • Weight loss may lead to reversal of some of the skin changes

  • A variety of creams may be of some benefit including:

    • Mild Cortisone (Steroid) creams

    • Vitamin A Acid cream

    • The addition of salicylic acid to the creams above may be helpful

  • Treatment if often unsatisfactory for both the patient and physician

  • Treatment of the underlying diabetes or hormonal abnormality, if present, often does not change the appearance of the skin.

  • Your doctor may order blood tests, for hormones etc. if he/she feels that it is appropriate.






























 

 

 

 

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