Posts Tagged ‘Acanthosis Nigricans’
Acanthosis Nigricans a telltale sign of other diseases (IV)
See Part III acanthosis nigricans, a telltale sign of other diseases (III)
Diagnosis and treatment of acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans can be diagnosed by observing the appearance of the skin and in some cases by skin biopsy.
The doctor may order blood tests, endoscopy or X-rays to rule out underlying diabetes or cancer.
Has not been established what the best treatment of the skin lesions of acanthosis nigricans. Among symptomatic treatments include topical antibiotics, retinoids (topical and systemic) and keratolytic. Although acanthosis nigricans is an inflammatory disorder, topical corticosteroids have been used very high power for its stultifying effect. However, the most effective treatment is weight loss and exercise leading to correct underlying endocrinologic abnormality.
The main treatment should be then directed to the underlying cause.
Acanthosis nigricans Forecast
The appearance of these skin lesions may be an early sign that informs the development of serious problems, especially when accompanied by other factors such as family history of stroke, diabetes and hypertension, abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides or low cholesterol “good” (HDL).
The presence of acanthosis nigricans in an obese patient shows the presence of a serious biochemical disturbance must be corrected.
Acanthosis nigricans often fades if the cause is discovered and treated.
Acanthosis Nigricans a telltale sign of other diseases (III)
See Part II acanthosis nigricans, a telltale sign of other diseases (II)
Causes of Acanthosis nigricans
This disease can occur for various reasons, including:
- Genetic factors inherited from parents to children.
- Drug-induced, such as oral contraceptives or human growth hormone, used to treat conditions that cause developmental problems, such as Turner syndrome and Prader-Willy.
- Medical problems: it may be associated with other medical problems such as obesity, which like many endocrine (hormone) can lead to acanthosis nigricans. Often occurs in people with diabetes and severe cases can also occur from this condition in people with cancer in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts or with lymphoma.
- Malignant acanthosis nigricans is rare and although the exact incidence is unknown, it seems that is a fairly unusual in patients with cancer.
Symptoms of Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans occurs slowly, no symptoms except for changes in the skin, which finally appear velvety dark segments with highly visible spots and creases. These spots usually appear in the armpits, groin, and neck.
Risk factors for acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a common condition in people of African descent. It particularly affects black women. People who are obese or type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased chance of developing the disease.
Prevention of acanthosis nigricans:
Acanthosis nigricans can not be prevented if it is hereditary, if for example PEO is caused by obesity, can be controlled with weight loss, or if the cause is certain drugs, can be controlled by letting you take them.
It is important to see a doctor for an evaluation of his health, if you notice any change in the tone of your skin (regardless of area)