by Dr. Baumann
If this complaint is striking a chord with you, then you might be experiencing a skin disorder called acanthosis nigricans. This particular type of hyperpigmentation manifests as dark patches of skin - typically thicker than unaffected skin - on the neck or groin or under the arms.
People who are overweight are most likely to develop this condition, which is associated with high insulin levels. Of course, that also means that people with insulin-regulation disorders, like diabetes, are more susceptible to this condition than others. Finally, because dark-skinned people produce more melanin, or skin pigment, to begin with, they are more likely than light-skinned people to develop acanthosis nigricans.
So what can you do if you think you have acanthosis nigricans?
1) See your doctor: This condition may be a sign that your body needs some attention - typically the best way to treat acanthosis nigricans is from the inside out. If you are overweight, for example, your doctor can help you develop a weight-loss plan that will lower your insulin levels. And if you have diabetes that is not being properly controlled, your doctor can help you adjust your treatment plan to improve both your health and your skin.
2) Determine whether you do, in fact, have acanthosis nigricans: This may seem like an obvious one, but it bears mentioning - I have seen deodorant allergies misdiagnosed as acanthosis nigricans. Your dermatologist can determine the difference, and also recommend special allergen-free deodorants.
3) Speed cell turnover: Once you have gotten to the root of these dark patches, you can turn to topical ingredients to minimize their appearance. Skin naturally replaces itself over time, but there are several ingredients - like retinoids, urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids (like lactic and glycolic acids) - that speed up that process. As you slough off damaged, dark cells, you'll begin to reveal the healthy ones beneath. You'll find these ingredients in many over-the-counter cleansers and lotions, but your dermatologist can prescribe them in higher, more effective concentrations.
