Acanthosis Nigricans

 

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition charachterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds. The affected skin can become thickened and may smell bad. Acanthosis nigricans is a fairly common skin pigmentation disorder. The most notable sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark patches of skin with a thick, velvety texture. Acanthosis nigricans may be a sign of a more serious health problem such as pre - diabetes. The most effective treatments focus on finding and resolving medical condition at the root of the problem. Fortunately, these skin patches tend to disappear after successfully treating the root condition. 

Location 

These patches may appear on the armpits, groin, neck, elbows, knees, knuckles, or skin folds. Lips, palms, and soles of the feet may also be affected.

 Causes

Acanthosis nigricans skin patches occur when epidermal skin cells begin to rapidly reproduce. This abnormal skin cell growth is most commonly triggered by high levels of insulin in the blood. In rare cases, the increase in skin cells may be caused by medications, cancer, or other medical conditions as listed below.

1) Insulin Resistance: Most people who have acanthosis nigricans have also become resistant to insulin, Insulin resistance is what eventually causes type 2 diabetes. 

2) Obesity: Most people who develop acnthosis nigrians are overweight or obese, which is a strong factor  risk factor for developing insulin resistance.

3) Cancer: Acnthosis nigricans also sometimes occurs when a cancerous tumor begins growing in an internal organ such as stomach, colon or liver.

4) Hormonal disorder: Acanthosis nigricans often occurs in people who have disorders such as ovarian cyst, under active thyroids, or problems with the adrenal gland.

5) Some Drugs: Medications such as O.C. pills and corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may caus acnthosis nigricans.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for acnthosis nigricans includes:

1) Obesity: The heavier you are, the higher your risk of acanthosis nigricans.
2) Race: Acnthosis nigricans is most common in indians, americans, and blacks.
3) Genetics: Some types of acanthosis nigricans appear to be hereditary.

SYMPTOMS

Skin Changes are the only signs of acanthosis. There is dark, thickened, velvety skin in the body folds and creases - typically in armpits, groin, and neck. The changes appear slowly sometimes over months and years. The affected skin may also smell bad or itch.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homoeopathy is safe and effective system of medicine which uses herbal and mineral products to

treat disease. Homeopathic remedies are holistic. It is Important, however, to treat any underlying

medical problem that may be causing these skin changes. When acanthosis nigricans is related to 

obesity, losing weight often improves this condition.  

Prevention

 1) Loose weight if you are overweight.

  2) Check insulin levels regularly and keep at a normal level.

Pratibha Homoeo Clinic