Causes Of Acanthosis Pigmentosa

Skin changes are the only signs of acanthosis. You will notice that the skin is dark, thick and velvety in the folds and wrinkles of the body.

Acanthosis pigmentosa is a skin condition characterized by dark areas of the skin, with color changes in the folds and furrows. The affected skin may thicken. In most cases, it affects the armpits, groin, and neck.

Skin changes in acanthosis pigmentosa usually appear in people who are obese or have diabetes. In addition, children with this condition are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

In rare cases, acanthosis pigmentosa can be a warning sign of a cancerous tumor in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver.

There are no specific treatments for this disease. Treatment of undiagnosed disorders can restore some of the normal color and texture to affected skin areas.

Symptoms of acanthosis pigmentosa

Skin changes are the only signs of the disease. Darker, thicker, and velvety skin is seen in the folds and wrinkles of the body, usually in the armpits, groin and back of the neck.

Most of the time, skin changes appear slowly. The affected skin may also have an odor or itchy rash.

See your doctor if you notice any changes on your skin, especially if they appear suddenly. You could have an undiagnosed illness that needs treatment.

Causes of acanthosis pigmentosa

Acanthosis pigmentosa has been associated with the following:

Insulin resistance

Many people with acanthosis pigmentosa have also become resistant to insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows the body to process sugar. Insulin resistance is the ultimate cause of type 2 diabetes.

Hormonal disturbances.

Acanthosis pigmentosa often occurs in people who have disorders such as ovarian cysts, an underactive thyroid, or problems with the adrenal glands.

Certain drugs and supplements.

High doses of niacin, birth control pills, prednisone, and other corticosteroids can cause acanthosis pigmentosa.

Cancer

Acanthosis pigmentosa also sometimes occurs with lymphoma or when a cancerous tumor begins to grow in an internal organ, such as the stomach, colon, or liver.

Risk factors

The risk factors for acanthosis pigmentosa are:

• Obesity : the higher your weight, the higher the risk of contracting this disease.
• Race : Studies show that acanthosis pigmentosa is more common among Native Americans in the United States.
• Family history : Some types of acanthosis pigmentosa appear to be hereditary.

Diagnosis of acanthosis pigmentosa

Acanthosis pigmentosa is usually seen on a skin exam. In rare cases, a small sample of skin is taken for a biopsy and sent to a lab for analysis.

If the cause is not clear, your doctor may recommend that you have blood tests, x-rays, or other studies to look for possible undiagnosed causes.

Treatment of acanthosis pigmentosa

In many cases, treating the underlying disease can help dispel the color changes. The following examples may be avenues to follow:

• Lose weight. If acanthosis pigmentosa is found to be caused by obesity, losing weight may help.
• Stop medications or supplements. If the condition appears to be associated with a drug or supplement that you are taking, your doctor may suggest that you stop that substance.
• Get the operation. If the disease was caused by a cancerous tumor, surgical removal of the tumor usually makes the change in skin color go away.

How to improve the appearance of the skin

If you are concerned about the appearance of your skin or if the lesions are uncomfortable or are starting to smell, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Prescription creams to lighten or soften affected areas.
• Antibacterial soaps used gently, as friction can make the condition worse.
• Topical antibiotics.
• Oral acne medications.
• Laser therapy to lighten the skin.

Tests and exams

Your doctor can usually diagnose acanthosis by examining the skin. In rare cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary. If there is no clear cause, the specialist may order further tests. These may include:

• Blood tests to check your blood sugar or insulin levels.
• Endoscopy as a diagnostic method.
• X-rays.