25/12/2022, 11:59 LTE ee warn (Link: ww.nhs.ukiconditions) NHS services (Link: wwww.nhs.uk/nhs-services) ‘Acanthosis nigricans -NHS Live Well (Link: worw.nhs.uk/Ive-well) Men Acanthosis nigricans ‘Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, soit needs to be checked by a GR Check if you have acanthosis nigricans ‘Tne main symptom of acanthosis nigricans is patches of skin that are darker and thicker than usual They can appear anywhere on the body. ‘The patches are dry and feel similar to velvet. ‘They're most common in skin folds, such as the armpits, neck or groin. Some people also have tiny growths (skin tags) on the patches, hitps:wwn.nhs.uklcondltons/acanthosis-nigicans! 1225/12/2022, 11:59 ‘Acanthosis nigricans -NHS ‘The patches often appear gradually without any other symptoms. Sometimes te skin may be itchy. See a GP if you have: + new dark patches on your skin + any skin changes you're unsure about What happens at your appointment [Although acanthosis nigricans is usually harmless, it's best to get any skin changes checked out. Rarely, it can be a sign of something more serious, such as cancer. ‘AGP can usvally tell if it’s acanthosis nigricans by looking at your skin ‘You may need some tests to find out what's causing the patches. Causes of acanthosis nigricans ‘Te most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is being very overweight (Link: vwwwrnhs.uklconditions/obesity) Other causes include: + type 2 diabetes (Link: wwrv.nhs.ukicondltionstype-2-diabetes) + conditions that affect hormone levels ~ such as Cushing's syndrome (Link: wnww.nhs.ukiconditions/eushings-syndromeh, polycystic ovary syndrome (Link: www.nhs uk/condltionsipolyeystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos) or an underactive thyroid (Cink: www.nhs.ukleonditions/underactve-thyroid-hypothyroidismy) + taking certain medicines ~ including steroids (Link: wnww-nhs.uk/conditions/steroids) oF hormone treatments like the contraceptive pill + rarely, cancer ~ usually stomach cancer (Link: wiww.nhs.k/conditionsstomach-cancerf) + rarely, a faulty gene inherited from your parents Sometimes healthy people with no other conditions get acanthosis nigricans. This is more common in people with black ‘or brown skin. Treating acanthosis nigricans Once a GP knows what's causing acanthosis nigricans, they can recommend the best treatment. “The patches should fade overtime once the cause is treated If you're very overweight, a GP may recommend losing weight (Link: httpsi/www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/). Depending on the cause, they may also recommend ‘+ medicine to balance your hormones + medicine to balance your insulin levels + changing your medicine to one that does not cause the patches There's no specific treatment for the patches themselves. Askin specialist (dermatologist) may be able to suggest treatments to improve their appearance, but finding and treating the cause is usually recommended firs. Page last reviewed: 20 June 2021 Next review due: 20 June 2026 hitps:wwn.nhs.uklcondltons/acanthosis-nigicans! ae