How to Say It: AAY-can-THO-sis NIG-ruh-cans
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin problem that results in brown or black velvet-like markings. They appear under the arms, in the groin, or on the back of the neck. It can affect any skin fold.
This problem is more common in people who are Native American, Black, or Hispanic. Other things that may raise the risk are:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the skin. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
If the diagnosis is not certain, a skin biopsy may be done.
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The underlying cause will need to be treated. Some choices are:
To lower the risk of this problem:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
NORD—National Organization for Rare Diseases
http://www.rarediseases.org
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Acanthosis nigricans. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acanthosis-nigricans. Accessed October 29, 2020.
Phiske MM. An approach to acanthosis nigricans. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2014 Jul;5(3):239-249.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD