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Acanthosis Nigricans

Overview

Acanthosis nigricans causes patches of skin to become darker, thicker and velvety to the touch. It appears most often in body folds — the neck, armpits and groin. It is usually a sign of something else going on in the body, most commonly insulin resistance or prediabetes, so finding it is often the first step toward diagnosing another condition.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • What is causing my acanthosis nigricans, and is anything making it worse?
  • Which treatment do you recommend first, and how long before I should expect a change?
  • What side effects should I watch for, and when should I contact you?
  • Is this condition contagious, inherited, or linked to anything else in my health?
  • What should I do differently if it flares or comes back?

Getting Care

A board-certified dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and tailor treatment to your skin. If your symptoms change quickly, spread, become painful, or come with a fever, seek care sooner.

Source: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/acanthosis-nigricans-overview

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