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Acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin, usually present in the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the axilla, groin, umbilicus, and other areas.

The most common cause would be insulin resistance, usually from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other causes are familial, obesity, drug-induced , malignant (gastric cancer) and idiopathic.

People with acanthosis nigricans should be screened for diabetes.

Last updated: 05-07-2005 06:59:14
Last updated: 05-07-2005 18:09:53